The Call to the Laodiceans
By Mary D. Elger
Bro. Smith:—When I first heard the call to the Laodiceans it rejoiced my heart that there was hope in my case, and that the Lord was about to gather his people to their everlasting reward. I have been striving for a few years past to serve God by keeping all his commandments; and although I have been blessed in so-doing, yet I have felt a lack. I knew that I did not enjoy what I once did, yet notwithstanding all this, rejoiced that we had the truth, and felt that we were the only people that were in favor with God. I can now see, as I look back upon the past, that I have been lukewarm, while I thought I was rich and increased in goods, and knew not that I was wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. I have truly felt chastened and rebuked, and have tried to be zealous in repenting of all my sins and wrongs, and have earnestly cried to God that mine167eyes might be anointed with eye-salve, that I might see my true condition, and be enabled to buy of him the gold tried in the fire, and the white raiment that I might be clothed, that the shame of my nakedness do not appear. The Lord has been hearing my cry, and searching my heart, until I have cried out in the depth of my soul, My Lord and my God, why hast thou forsaken me! But O, the goodness of God in watching and keeping me in the darkest hour! I praise his holy name that light again shines upon my pathway, and for the blessed prospect of going through to mount Zion. O how great is the goodness of God to his erring children! What more could be done for us than has already been done; and shall we not take heed to this last message that will, if obeyed, prepare us for the latter rain? that will prepare us to stand in the time of trouble? Are we not willing to give all for the gold tried in the fire, the white raiment that we may be clothed, and the eye-salve that we may see? What can be too dear to sacrifice for eternal life? God requires the whole heart, and shall we hold back part of the price? No, no; let us give all, that we may share in the rich reward that will soon be given to the faithful. Is not this the time to get on the wedding garment? And if it is, who of us will not want to get it on? O it is my prayer that we may arise ere it shall be too late, and put on the beautiful garment of righteousness, that we may be prepared for the return of our blessed Lord. Your unworthy sister striving to be an overcomer.
Mary D. Elger. Waltham, Vt., March 1st, 1857,