The Laodicean State of the Church
By Olive M. Patten
BRO. SMITH: I have been deeply interested in what I have seen in the Review on the subject of the Laodicean state of the church. I believe it to be the truth, "meat in due season" for the remnant. I have long felt that something was wanting. While I read the cutting testimony to the Laodiceans, I will try to take it to myself. The truth is too plain that we have suffered cares and trials to shut Jesus out, and have not had that sweet communion with him that we once had. O that we may heartily repent of our lukewarmness, put away everything that shuts Jesus from our hearts, and make speedy and thorough preparation for the coming of the Lord! I want my heart clean and filled with the love of God. My prayer is, Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. I do believe that we must make haste or it will be too late! I am alone here, and have not seen a Sabbath-keeper since the Princeton tent-meeting, and may not see one again for many months; but I am thankful for the Review to read, and know not how I could do without it.71I love the prospect of the saints' home. My heart and my treasure are there, and I cannot be left with those who love this world. I realize more than ever that it is through much tribulation that we shall enter the kingdom of God. Great trials await the remnant, but the grace of God is sufficient, and I desire strength and a willing heart that I may endure to the end and be saved. I choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. I mean to be an overcomer and meet all who are redeemed from among men, in whose mouth is found no guile, on mount Zion with the Lamb. Yours in the patience of the saints.
OLIVE M. PATTEN.
Groton, Mass., Dec. 6th, 1856.