Put on the Whole Armor
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. SMITH:—It is still my firm purpose to labor to enter into the rest that remaineth to the people of God. The thought that our labors here amidst scenes of trial and conflict, scoffs and persecutions from the wicked, and proud-hearted professors, are so nearly closed, is a matter of lively satisfaction to me. Yet it produces solemn and vivid impressions upon my mind. Is it so? Are we living upon the last wasting sands of time? Are the prophecies of God's blessed word fulfilling with such vast rapidity as all things indicate? Yes, I firmly believe this to be the truth. Solemn truth indeed! Well, then dear brethren, what shall be our aim in these golden moments? Shall we sleep as do others? Shall we drink in the pride, vanity, and cold formality, so eminently characteristic of the professed followers of Christ at the present time? Shall we exert our strength and energies in fighting against God's law, which is holy just and good? Or shall we put on the "whole armor of God," and come up in one solid phalanx to the help of the Lord against the mighty? By the grace of God assisting, we will put on the whole armor, we will lay hold on the whole truth, and stand firmly in all the light which God has caused to shine upon our pathway. A brilliant blaze of light shines upon the path of those who keep the commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus; and they are surely coming into the unity of the faith. While this work is in progress, those who are unwilling to be straightened by the truth, I expect will continue to turn away, making choice of their own company, and not only declare war, but prosecute the same upon those that believe and obey the whole truth. But notwithstanding this, I believe it to be our duty to patiently press forward, "believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets," and earnestly and habitually strive for all those graces which are to adorn the church of God in these last days, that we be not found fighting against God, nor the Gifts of his Holy Spirit. Our meeting of two days here has just closed. It was a meeting of deep interest, and we trust it will prove one of profit to the Church. Here we met with some of our dear brethren from a distance, who had waded through the drifting snow, and faced the chilling blasts of the wintry winds to reach the place. We were greatly blessed while together, and parted this morning feeling joyful in the Lord, and with a strong resolution to be not "weary in well doing." One Bro., formerly a preacher of the Advent faith, who had kept one Sabbath previous to the meeting, here took a decided stand for the Bible Sabbath, and also acknowledged great light upon the Sanctuary. Yours in hope. A. S. HUTCHINS.