Enduring Persecution for the Truth
By Benjamin Hostler
BRO. SMITH:—I desire to express my gratitude to God, that myself and companion were ever led to see the truth belonging to the last days, although it has subjected us to ridicule and to be despised and persecuted by those who call themselves Christians, who are still rejecting the truth and saying, Where is the promise of his coming. I would say to the dear brethren and sisters, that these are things we must expect. Read 1 Pet. iv, 12. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you." Also verses 13, 14. Luke vi, 22. "Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake." Read verse 23. Let us rejoice and take courage; for great will be our reward, if we endure faithful to the end. We feel that we are strangers and pilgrims on the47earth. We are trying to keep up our weekly meeting on the Sabbath at Lincklaen, and some of the dear brethren and sisters are trying to live. We, with them, are grateful for the weekly visit of the Review and Herald, and for the precious truths it comes laden with; and we feel greatly encouraged by the letters from the dear brethren and sisters in different parts of the land. Dear brethren in the Office, be encouraged to toil on; for your labor will not be in vain in the Lord, for in due time you will reap if you faint not. Yours striving to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. BENJAMIN HOSTLER.