p. 126 | COMMUNICATIONS by J. A. Wilcox

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 19, 1857

COMMUNICATIONS.

By J. A. Wilcox

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

From Bro. Wilcox.

BRO. SMITH : I can truly say for one that I am trying to take heed to the counsel of the true Witness, to the Laodiceans; for I solemnly believe it is the last message of mercy to God's dear people in this mortal state. I feel it is important indeed for me to earnestly heed the injunctions of the true Witness to buy gold tried in the fire and white raiment that I may be clothed, and eye-salve that will enable me to see my own heart in the light of God's word; and more especially do I feel the great importance

of taking earnest heed when I realize in some degree the sad and fearful result consequent upon disobedience, if we are not zealous and repent.

I am trying by the grace of God to do my first works. I want to rise out of this lukewarm state which I have been in for two or three years at least, and God in his tender mercy is blessing my efforts. I have felt for a few weeks past like committing all my ways to God, and I can say, so far as I have done so, he has directed my steps. O yes, I feel peace and joy in believing, which the world can neither give nor take away.

For the last two or three years, at times I have felt to mourn over my low state, and I have, during that time, experienced some severe trials and temptations, which have caused me to halt between two opinions, hardly knowing how it would turn with me. I have been very near giving up all pretensions to religion several times, and have felt like going away into some distant land among strangers, and enjoy the vain pleasures of the world as well as I could; but praise God, I have been prevented by his tender mercy from taking the fatal step.

I would kindly say for the encouragement of those dear brethren and sisters who are tempted and tried, The Lord has kindly promised he will not suffer us to be tempted and tried above what we are able to bear; but with the temptation will make a way for our escape. This cheering promise has been verified to me. Praise the Lord! The apostle Peter has told us, Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. Our dear Saviour was tempted and tried in all points as we are, and yet without sin. Should we his professed followers think strange of trials and temptations? O I want to enjoy more and more of this peaceful Spirit, so that I may endure hardness as a good soldier of Christ, and exercise long patience towards them that trespass against me.

I have learned by happy experience within a few months past, it is not a vain thing to trust in God. He has given me grace to rise above many trials and temptations, when I had at times almost despaired of overcoming. To him be all the glory.

For one, my mind is fully made up to go through to the end and see the King in all his beauty. Decision in serving God is truly a good thing. I find since I decided to serve him with all my heart, (let others do as they may,) I am better prepared to withstand trials and temptations. I do not expect the time will come when it will be safe to lay by the armor of God for one moment, till Jesus comes and brings deliverance to the dear saints; therefore it becomes very necessary to heed the injunctions of Christ, to watch, for the Devil is going about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour; and unless we are on our watch, we are in danger of being overcome and fall out by the way. I mean to be a perfect overcomer with them that are good.

From your brother in Christ, hoping for immortality. J. A. WILCOX.