p. 47 | L. J. RICHMOND by L. J. Richmond

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 11, 1856

L. J. RICHMOND

By L. J. Richmond

From Sister Richmond.

Bro. Smith :—It rejoices my heart to hear of the progress of the cause of truth in the West. Truly God is gathering in his jewels. Although there are but few comparatively here in the East that now seem to heed the warning voice, still the Lord is at work for his people. The purifying process is going on. God's people are to be purified from all dross, purged as silver and gold, and made white, and then will come the trial. They are yet to see that it is through much tribulation that they are to enter the kingdom. Every thing is to be shaken that can be. Those only will be able to stand whose feet are firmly planted upon the truth of God's word.

Although we are permitted to live near the closing up of the scenes of this earth, with the word of God in our hands which plainly declares that the coming of the Just One is at the door; and the signs of his coming fast fulfilling, and most of them in the past; the nations angry, the mighty men [Joel iii, 9] awake, preparing for war;—notwithstanding all this, the Church of God which professes to believe all this truth, is in a lukewarm state. No wonder the Psalmist so many times exclaims that his mercy endureth forever; for were it not so, we should long before this have been cut off. But instead of this, he still pleads with us to repent and buy gold tried in the fire, white raiment and eye-salve, that we may see.

Mercy still lingers: as many as I love I rebuke and chasten. O ye afflicted and tried ones, take courage! The Lord still loves you and calls upon you to be zealous and repent. O heed his voice. Open the door of your hearts and let the King of glory in.

I mean to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, to buy gold tried in the fire, white raiment and eye-salve, that I may see all the truth; and may increasing light continue to shine upon our pathway. I desire ever to be found among those who are following in the humble path of truth, however crossing it may be. I would not be among those who profess to believe in the Third Angel's Message and still continue in a lukewarm state. I should much rather never have known the way of life. What excuse can such give to the great Judge of all the earth? They must and will remain speechless. I desire so to live that I may at last have a humble place among the remnant who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.

Your unworthy sister.

L. J. RICHMOND

Ashfield, Mass., Nov. 19th, 1856.