Testimony on the Laodicean Church
By John Lindsey
BRO. SMITH: I wish to add my testimony in favor of the doctrines advocated in the Review, especially the testimony to the Laodicean church. O what a sad condition we were in! wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked, and knew it not. O how good the Lord is to his children, not to leave them in such a state. He says, Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice, and will open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him and he with me. To him that overcometh, &c. The language implies that some will overcome. How? By being zealous and repenting. Repentance signifies change of purpose. We must repent and be zealous about it. And what else? Buy houses and farms? This is what Sabbath-keepers have been doing for a few years past, and have lost the Spirit of the Lord out of their hearts and become lukewarm. But the true Witness says, Buy gold tried in the fire, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve that thou mayest see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. I am thankful that we can hear the voice of the good Shepherd once more. I have been trying to open the door of my heart and let Jesus in. I feel like consecrating myself anew to the service of the Lord. The little church in this place are trying to rise. The labors of Bro. Loughborough have been blest of the Lord. Several have embraced the truth of late. We feel like going forward. It is cheering to hear through the Review from the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad. I hope to hear from others, especially some in Canada East. I expect the refreshing will soon come, and the saints be prepared to pass through the time of trouble. Your unworthy brother striving to overcome.
JOHN LINDSEY.
Round Grove, Ills., Feb. 16th, 1857.