The Testimony to the Laodiceans
By A. J. Richmond
TO THE BRETHREN AND SISTERS SCATTERED ABROAD: I feel to thank the Lord that he has a care for his people, notwithstanding they have wandered far from him. I have felt for a long time that the church was not right in the sight of God. Although they have the truth on most points, there seems to be something lacking. The Commandments of God are kept, but the Faith of Jesus has not been observed. Many have been drinking into the spirit of the world almost unawares. While they profess to believe that Jesus is soon coming, in works they deny it. They seem more anxious about their worldly possessions, than they do to lay up a treasure in heaven. It has seemed to me that the church wanted something to cut them loose from the world, and the things of the world. Some special message that should show them their danger, and give them a spirit of sacrifice. Thank the Lord, it has come. The testimony to the Laodiceans certainly is present truth. It describes the present state of the church correctly. Who among us have not felt to say (after having received the present light on the Scriptures and the Third Angel's Message) that we were rich and increased with goods and had need of nothing, and knew not that we were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked? Brethren, ought we not to be very thankful that the Lord has not left us in this sad condition, but has shown us how we may buy gold, and white raiment, and eye-salve, that we may be rich, and clothed, and may see. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. How many will give heed to this testimony, and be "zealous and repent," time alone will determine. One thing is certain: we have arrived at a point where we have got to decide. It will avail us nothing to make great professions, talk long and loud in favor of present truth, and still join hands with the world, and take part in elections, (as some have,) and be one among them. When we see those who have professed for years to believe the truth living in this way, is it any wonder that the Lord should spue them out of his mouth unless they shall be "zealous and repent?" If the Lord be God, serve him; if Baal, then serve him. Let us remember that this testimony comes from that Prophet, [Deut. xviii, 18, 19,] whom if we will not hear we shall be destroyed from among the people. Time hastens on. Probation is almost ended. Let us therefore while mercy yet lingers, heed the voice of the faithful and true Witness, open and let Jesus into our hearts, that we may sup with him and he with us. Brethren and sisters, what say you to these things? Will you still cling to the things of earth, and thus bar Jesus from the heart, or will you give up the world for the sake of Christ and a seat in glory. Yours striving for the kingdom.
A. J. RICHMOND.
Green Bush, Clin. Co., Mich.