DEAR BRO. WHITE.—I have been highly gratified in reading the Review, and think it worth the attention of any one. And should I, or any other one, treasure up these truths into good and honest hearts, it might benefit us, as it doth the upright in heart, and prove a savor of life unto life. I have long felt that the truths of the gospel have not been held forth in their unadulterated light, as they should be.
I ever wish to be actuated by the Spirit of God, in reference to things that pertain to Heaven and immortal glory. I am often astonished to see those who have professed to forsake all for Christ, and abide by the truths of the Sacred Word of God, have their hearts and affections interwoven with the things of this world, drinking in copious draughts of the poisonous dregs, that will forever debar them from drinking from that fountain of life, which flows from the throne of God and the Lamb. I feel that truth has fallen in the streets and equity cannot enter.—Could we see the heinous nature of sin and its evil consequences, as the Lord sees, we should if we were honest before God escape for our lives, as from a deadly foe.
But I fear, that I, with the rest of my fellow creatures, or many of them, are not aware of the danger we are in of being overtaken with our sins upon us when our Saviour shall make his appearance in the clouds of Heaven. Oh! what an august day that will be to the world. Then if we are filthy we shall be filthy still, if we are righteous we shall be righteous still. If we are of the righteous, with what ecstatic joy shall we hail his appearing. But what a solemn day will it be to the unbelieving world, when He shall descend with all his grandeur and power, attended by angels, taking vengeance, on those that know not God, and obey not the gospel, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of God and the glory of his power. Oh! who would not embrace the truths of the gospel, and be able to stand before the Son of man.
As unworthy as I am, I feel the force of the truths which I write. It is a number of years since the Lord called me by his grace to adhere to the things of an eternal nature. And I hope the blood of Christ has been applied to my heart to the cleansing thereof. Notwithstanding my many omissions and commissions, I still feel desirous, to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I meet with many trials and afflictions in this life; but I hope they will work out for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. I have always observed the Sabbath of the Lord, and believe it to be a sacred institution of Heaven, which should be had in remembrance by all the world, till the consummation of all things.
From your unworthy sister in Christ,
PHEBE BROWN.
Plainfield, N. Y., Sept. 21st, 1853.