Patience in the Time of Trial
By L. R. Abbey
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is a great comfort to me that I have the Review to read, and by that means hear from the dear scattered flock who are waiting the return of their Lord from the wedding. Now is the patient waiting time. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." And what is the next word? "And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: yea saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." Why from this time? Because of the sore trials, conflicts and temptations which the "Remnant" must pass through; some would not endure them; it is blessed for them to die. I am sure I have not seen a time in twenty-six years that I have been trying to seek and serve the Lord, that I needed so much patience as now. The devil has come down in great wrath, knowing that he hath but a short time. He has been trying to get in his dividing foot here, but the Lord is stronger than the strong man armed. Thank his holy name. Love will conquer all, and "God is love." O the long suffering and forbearance of our blessed Lord toward his erring children. How my heart melts when I realize his mercy towards one so unworthy as myself. The doctrinal points contained in the Review are blessed to me now. When first presented to me by friends whom I loved, and who I believed loved the Lord, my heart rose in opposition; but thanks be to God for the blessed doctrine of the Bible which is being brought out and laid before the people, that all may see and choose for themselves. What beauty and glory we see in the justice and mercy of God in the doctrine brought out by Brn. Stephenson and Hall, "the sleep of the dead, and the final destruction of the wicked." How blessed will be their rest, who sleep in Jesus, who have lain down prepared to arise, at the voice of the Son of God, clothed with immortality like unto their blessed Lord. I expect soon to be resting, but it will be blessed. I do thank the Lord that I have lived to hear the voice of the first, second and third angels. My prayer is that God will speed on this work until all his servants are sealed with the seal of the living God. Yours, hoping to meet all the dear chosen ones upon the New Earth. Hubbard's Corners, N. Y., Nov. 6th, 1854.