C. R. AUSTIN by C. R. Austin

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 9, 1857

C. R. AUSTIN

By C. R. Austin

From Sister Austin.

BRO. SMITH:—The subject of the Laodicean state of the church is an interesting one to me. And as I have heard the lamentations from different directions, because we are in Laodicea, I have been led to think that we were in a position similar to a traveler from the north, wishing to go to the city of Washington, and when the announcement was made that the cars were in Baltimore, should we expect to hear him mourning about it, and saying he was not going to pass through Baltimore, but would remain in Philadelphia until he should find himself in Washington? Should we not rather expect, if it was his real intention to go W., and he was at all weary of the journey, that it would be a matter of rejoicing with him that he was so near his journey's end?

The pilgrim's pathway to the eternal city lies through Laodicea, and may we not rejoice that we are there? for it is the last place which the Holy Spirit has marked to be trodden by the feet of the children of God this side of Mt. Zion. It seems to me that a knowledge of the fact that we are already in Laodicea should send a thrill of joy through every one who is trying to press his way through to the city of the living God, and by keeping the commandments to gain an entrance through the gates into that city.

But that we are brought so near to Mt. Zion with such an amount of light and truth shining out here from God's word and from the signs of these times proclaiming that we are almost there; and should be found by the “Amen, the faithful and true Witness, to be neither cold nor hot, but lukewarm, and poor and blind and naked,” is a cause for sore lamentation and deep repentance.

I believe the counsel of the true Witness is for commandment-keepers under the Third Message; and may the Lord enable us to buy the gold tried in the fire that we may be rich, and white raiment that we may be clothed, and help us to anoint our eyes with eye-salve that we may see. Then will our light shine so that others will be led to glorify our Father who is in heaven. Then will the last Message of mercy go with a cry which will be loud enough to call all of God's children from their lurking places, and a people will be made ready for the coming of the Lord. And then the bells will be heard upon the hem of our High Priest's garment, and all his sanctified ones from Abel down to the last one sealed, will be blessed and made perfect, and receive the promise, for which they were mocked, and scourged, stoned and sawn asunder, and wandered about in deserts and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. O what a shout there will be in glory then! May the Lord help us to arouse ourselves, and gird on the whole armor of God, and get ready to meet the coming One.

I believe that all of God's people, whether in Babylon or out, are in Laodicea, but the message seems to be to those who profess to believe in present truth, but have not faith enough in it to live it out. There seems to be something in the present truth that makes a mere knowledge of it seem of great value to the possessor; but I have often thought that it would be better never to have a knowledge of the truth, than to have the theory and not be sanctified through obedience to it. I want to be sanctified through God's word, and be permitted to stand with all the blood-washed throng on Mt. Zion.

C. R. AUSTIN

Berkshire, Vt.