Perseverance in the Narrow Way
By M. L. Priest
BRO. SMITH:—I esteem it a privilege to pen a few lines to those of like precious faith. I have been very much comforted and encouraged by reading the communications from brethren and sisters in the Review. I often find my own experience in them. I believe there is much good accomplished in this silent manner. It is five years since my companion and myself first saw the light on the Third Angel's Message. We were constrained to believe it was truth; for it gave us light upon the past, the present, and future. We firmly believe that by keeping the commandments of God, and having the Faith of Jesus, we may have an abundant entrance through the gates into the city. At times we feel disheartened, seeing so much distraction among the little flock, and feel to cry out in the bitterness of our souls, Who shall be saved? The way is straight and narrow, and we are such short-sighted, erring creatures, that we are in great danger, having foes without and within, but it is our privilege to overcome, and if we struggle on, we shall finally come off victorious. I think I desire a home in glory, more than every thing else. The dear Saviour will be there; the patriarchs and prophets will be there; and some loved ones who sleep in Jesus will come forth and be there. There is much to encourage us to persevere; but we must be tried, and the solemn thought comes home, Who will abide the day of his coming, and stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap. We are living in perilous times. Never was the Enemy more busy. We need to gird on the whole armor. If we feel our weakness and unworthiness, and draw nigh to God he will draw nigh to us, and if the Lord be for us, who can be against us. Although of ourselves we are nothing, yet it is our privilege to be strong and of good courage. O that the church had more of that other spirit, like Caleb and Joshua, to believe that we are abundantly able to go up and possess the goodly land. Dear brethren and sisters, we have not followed cunningly devised fables. No! no! but it is the plain word of the Lord; and that same Jesus which the disciples saw taken up into heaven, will soon come again. Yes, the Lord is coming. O let us be diligent. It is our privilege to be all ready and waiting for his return. But it is not every one that saith Lord, Lord, that will be accepted, but they that do his will, by obeying all his commandments. To love God with all the heart, and our neighbor as ourselves, requires deadness to self and the world. O for grace, humility and patience, to enable us to do the will of God that we may be accepted of him, is the prayer of your unworthy sister. M. L. PRIEST.