The Duty to Obey Present Truth
By Luther Paine
Bro. Smith :—Although I am a stranger to you by sight, and acquaintance, yet I conclude that we are harmoniously united in truth and spirit. I believe that it was in the order of God, that I was found among a loving people, looking for Jesus at the seventh month movement, in the Fall of 1844; and notwithstanding our disappointment, we find abundant cause for praise and thanksgiving to God, that our pathway has been illumed by the light of truth. Yes, thank God, present truth, by which we as a people are held in disrepute. But we have no misgivings relative to our position, that it is in accordance with the Bible; and we find cause to pity those who have disregarded the scriptural pathway, and by human wisdom, doubtless, have caused the truth of the speedy coming of the Lord to be evil spoken of by the many set times for the Lord to come, having no authority from his word for such a course. But we are inclined to believe that the honest-hearted ones will yet become the willing and obedient subjects of present truth, and finally enter into life. How plain and pointed are the words of our Lord, when he said, "Not every one which saith Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he which doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." "Doeth the will of my Father." Very much is comprised in the words, even that we be found doing all the requirements of God, having supreme love to God, being dead to the world, crucified with Christ, possessing a pure heart; consequently in possession of overcoming faith, being victorious through Christ. I am glad, truly, that the remnant church are seeing and feeling the importance of holy living; and that we carry out these requirements, we must possess holy hearts. We are not to look for pure streams from an impure fountain. No, no. God's church which is to be redeemed from among men, is to be without spot, shining forth in God-like excellence, "fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners." We should at this late hour, engage with all our hearts in the deep things of God's truth. Let me say to the dear saints, Settle into the divine will. Let your light shine. Do not hide it, because you may think that yours is not so refulgent as others. Hide self, and hold up Jesus. Let God use you for his glory. There must be a mighty breaking down before the Lord, a full consecration to God, that we may live every hour in waiting readiness. I pray that there may be a mighty coming up of commandment-keepers, to the help of the Lord, that the Third Angel's Message may wax louder and louder. We should possess much of the Faith of Jesus, and the patience of the saints. In fact, the whole gospel armor girded about us, will be none too much to shield us, and keep us secure amid the perils by the way. God's Church is to pass through great tribulation previous to her admittance into the holy City; and we do well to be mindful, that such as live to witness a portion of the seven last plagues, will be without an Intercessor, and in that "great day of his wrath, who shall be able to stand?" Nothing short of a full consecration to God, connected with a mighty overcoming faith, will enable us to do this. Brethren, let us not rest until we are filled with faith and the Holy Ghost. Yours in the blessed hope.
Luther Paine.
Hampden, Co., Mass.