COMMUNICATIONS by J. Russ

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 2, 1856

COMMUNICATIONS.

By J. Russ

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Bro. Russ. BRO. SMITH:—A few words to the brethren and sisters that are patiently waiting for their dear Lord. Jesus has gone to heaven to prepare a place for those who love him; and he has promised, saying, I will come again and receive you unto myself. Jesus has once been on earth. God sent his messenger, John, before him to prepare the way and tell the people to get ready. Who heeded it? O, a few despised, poor people. They got ready and received him when he came. Were these all that looked for the Saviour? No: the popular, the rich, the rulers, looked for him. How did they look? They looked for him to come a great, popular king, to give them peace and plenty of this world. He came poor, despised by the proud, to give peace and plenty of heavenly things to those who receive him; to comfort the humble, the poor, the distressed, the despised for his sake. So those that rejected him mocked and spit upon him and murdered him on the cross.

Dear brethren and sisters, Jesus is soon coming the second time as he promised. He has sent out his messengers to tell us to get ready. Who will heed it? O, a few poor, despised people who are willing to keep all his Commandments, and be despised for his sake.

Jesus says, If they persecuted me they will also persecute you. John xv, 20. How few are trying to get ready and waiting and watching for Jesus. Are these few all that are looking for Jesus? No: there are many looking for him a great way off. Poor souls! they are without the ark and in the dark. And many are looking for him to come and reign with them a thousand years, and have peace and safety, and convert everybody; but when they cry, Peace and safety, sudden destruction cometh.

Many say that the Commandments of God are done away; but he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him. 1 John ii, 4.

Dear brethren and sisters, that are scattered over this wilderness world, Jesus is soon coming to gather all that are faithful home. O be patient, be humble, love each other, help each other on. True religion is love; it brings us all down humble, on a level together.

If any sister has a companion that does not go with her and keep the Sabbath and all the Commandments, I would say to her, Do not give up the Saviour. It may be very trying to you to endure; but to go back is death, to struggle on is life eternal. Think what Jesus has done for you. The more trials and afflictions you endure for your Saviour, the greater your reward. Never give over.

Brother, if you have companions that do not serve their Lord, pray for them. Point them to life eternal. Finally, brethren and sisters, be all of one mind, having compassion one of another. Love as brethren and sisters. Be pitiful, be courteous. Soon you will be gathered all in one fold. J. RUSS. Monterey, Mich.