Encouragement to Commandment Keepers
By John Wilson
Bro. Smith: I would say to the brethren and sisters that there is a small number of us trying to keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith and testimony of Jesus. We feel somewhat encouraged when we read the testimony of God's children who are scattered over the land. Though we have been in a lukewarm state for some time, God has been with us of late. We have had some good meetings. The Spirit of God has been poured out upon us, and I trust we all feel like pressing on to the end; for he who bears the cross shall wear the crown. My prayer is that we with all those who keep the commandments of God may be kept faithful until death or till Jesus comes; for I feel that the time is fast approaching. Brethren and sisters, are we getting ready? are we trying to follow Jesus? are we laying up our treasure in heaven? If we are all is well; but if we are laying it up on earth, it will condemn us at the last day. I feel that we are the Lord's stewards, and if we squander the means that God has put into our hands, we shall have to give an account of it. Let us do what we can for the spread of the truth among poor perishing sinners. I feel that he is sifting his people, and will continue to sift them till he shall have a people zealous of good works. And though we are surrounded by enemies on every side, and tempted, and tried, and persecuted, let us rejoice. I feel that we live in perilous times, and need to heed the Saviour's warning, "Watch and pray lest ye enter into temptation;" for the Devil is going about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Let us seek to know and do our duty that we be not found sleeping. I trust that by the grace of God I may hold out to the end, and have a right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the city. Yours in hope of eternal life.
JOHN WILSON.
Bowne, Mich., Dec., 1856.