Preparing for the Loud Cry
By William Harris
Bro. Smith: I have thought that I would not write again for publication; but as I have seen some of the esteemed ones whom I love dearly on my tour north, who say they had looked for something from me, and loving as I do to read the cheering communications from the commandment-keepers, I want to say to them that I have been searching my heart, and finding myself altogether unprepared to aid in the loud cry, or share in its glorious effects. Brethren, I feel that I have a great deal to overcome. It is clear as the sun that we have been in the Laodicean state of the church, and I lament that I had got so cold, so formal. But thanks be to God for the warning. I intend to take heed, and buy gold more precious than the gold of Ophir. O yes, I want gold tried in the fire, and white raiment. I remember that Jesus has said to the scribes and pharisees, "This people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me." I think that will apply too closely to us. I want the mind of Job, when he said, "But he knoweth the way I take. When he hath tried me I shall come forth as gold." I want to feel as did the prophet when he exclaimed, "For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth." I feel more like giving up all, and lay not up for to-morrow, but prepare for coming events. Brethren and sisters, we have been trading with the world and buying whatever our appetites and eyes craved, all our lifetime, until we have spent all, or worn out our bodies in the fashions and pride of the world. Now in the very last moments of time when only a few days of probation are left us, Jesus calls aloud, Buy of me gold tried in the fire, and white raiment. O merciful Jesus, to give us timely warning! Let us spend what we have left of our means, our time, our talent, in purchasing this durable riches and durable clothing, the white raiment; yes, and eye-salve that we may see; for we are represented as poor, blind and naked. I want to see the church come up to her first love—the love she had in 1844. Then we had nothing that we held dear. We were not building houses to stay here in; but we were looking for a city that hath foundations. But Oh! my heart has been pained in meeting with some who profess to be with us in the Third Angel's Message, that were not only building largely, but suffered their laborers to work on the Sabbath on their own house, and in their sight. Whilst they kept the Sabbath by resting themselves, they broke it by letting their servants work. I suppose we shall not get all right until we get Jesus into our hearts, and the world out. We are all alone here, and are glad when any saint gets strayed this way, that we can see his lovely face. Remember us in your prayers. Wm. Harris.
Port Byron, N. Y., Jan. 18th, 1857.