Encouragement in the Present Truth
By John A. Wilcox
Bro. Smith:—I have been very much strengthened and encouraged of late to go on in the straight way which leads unto eternal life in the kingdom of God! I feel the need of more consecration to God and his suffering cause. The truth is still precious to me; and I fully believe the time has come to arouse ourselves and be up and doing; and work while the day lasts; for soon the night will come wherein no man can work. The signs of the times unmistakably indicate that the Lord is near even at the door. The great day of the Lord is near and hasteth greatly. Who shall be able to stand? None but those whose loins are girt about and their lights burning. Luke xii, 35. I am glad to hear through the Review of the cheering state of the cause of truth under the sound of the Third Angel's Message in the West; and while reading last night the soul-stirring epistles of the Brn. and Sisters, I felt broken-hearted, and the tears flowed freely under a sense of the goodness of God. I feel to praise his holy name that the true light is shining out clearly in regard to the time when the Kingdom of God will be established on earth. I think Bro. Waggoner's article makes this subject clear: especially, no probation after the Saviour comes; which I never could believe for a moment. I have heard many things said against the visions of Sister White by those whom I have had confidence in, which has caused prejudice in my mind against them for some time past; but I can truly say now, that I can see no good reason from the Scriptures of divine truth for rejecting them as not being of God. The stumbling stones are being removed out of the way; and my heart's desire is, all who honestly have erred in this respect as well as all others may see the truth as it is, and finally have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. My determination is to serve the Lord more faithfully and by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory, honor and immortality, that God may render to me eternal life with all the saints at the appearing of Christ.
JOHN A. WILCOX.