The Importance of Watchfulness and Prayer
By W. T.; D. Hannaford
From Bro. and Sr. Hannaford.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We wish to say that the Review is a welcome messenger to us. It rejoices us to hear from the scattered saints, and that the message is on the rise in other places. The light of the third angel's message, and the truths connected with it shine out with great clearness. We believe that the time of trouble is fast approaching, and view it very necessary to have on the whole armor of God, and to live humble, watchful and prayerful, so that we may be accounted worthy to escape all that is coming upon the earth and to stand before the Son of man; that when he who is our life shall appear, we may appear with him in glory. This is truly, a momentous time in which we live, surrounded as we are by the perils of the last days, while the last call of mercy is being given to a perishing world, and the four angels are about to let go their hold, and the inhabitants of earth left, for ever left, without a mediator. We do desire to realize the importance of improving the few golden moments that may be allotted us here, that by giving all diligence, we may add to our faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity; knowing that if these be in us and abound, we shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is indeed glorious to strive to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, and sweet to our souls to do all of his commandments: knowing that we shall have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. If faithful, when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, we, with all the ransomed, shall receive a crown that fadeth not away. We should esteem it a privilege to have any faithful ministering brother, who may feel it to be his duty, call this way and dispense unto us the words of life and salvation. We are a scattered and tried people. Our number in this section of country is very small; but we think there are some who may have ears to hear the present truth. W. T. & D. HANNAFORD. Orrington, Me., Oct. 12th, 1853.