The Church Pressing Forward
By A. Belden
BRO. SMITH:—It is some two years or more since we embraced the truth of the Third Angel's Message and have since been trying to keep all the Commandments of God, and we still feel inclined to press our way on by the way of the cross, striving to overcome through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. The blessed anticipation of rest in the land of promise encourages our hearts to contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. But "we walk alone and oft are sad, and falls the briny tear." Yet the prospect seems to brighten as base prejudice is giving away, and light from the Sanctuary begins to disperse the darkness around us. Quite a number of late have acknowledged the seventh day to be the Sabbath, and some we are inclined to think will keep it holy. We praise God for the blessed word. It is a lamp to our feet, "A blissful boon to mortals given,
To guide my erring steps toward heaven." We feel thankful to the brethren and sisters for the light and encouragement we have received by letters through the Review and Herald. The way seems to brighten before us. The way in which the Saviour bore the cross, is marked with blood; but we have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin; yet as he was, so are we in this world. Surely the dragon's ire is stirred against the remnant, who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. We have our trials as others of like precious faith. Our conflicts of late with the powers of darkness have been severe; but the form of the fourth has been with us, and we hope to stand with him and that blessed company that shall stand on mount Zion. I feel more inclined to-day than ever to go on if possible. The way to glory is by the way of the cross. Heb. ii, 10, 11. "For it became him for whom are all things . . . in bringing many sons to glory to make the Captain of their salvation perfect through suffering; for both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one." "Shall we be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize
And sailed through bloody seas?" Yours in hope.
A. BELDEN.
Clinton Co., N. Y.