Giving Up All for Christ by A. J. & F. L. Richmond

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

Giving Up All for Christ

By A. J. & F. L. Richmond

From Bro. & Sr. Richmond.

DEAR BRETHREN : We are often cheered and encouraged by the testimonies that we receive from week to week through the Review. They are like cold water to a thirsty soul. Thanks be to the Giver of every good and perfect gift for a means of communicating one with another that we may freely speak of our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears; that we may encourage each other to persevere and tread the strait and thorny path that leads to life. "Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it." As we are endeavoring to get into the way we find it so narrow that we are obliged to leave all our stuff behind. We have come to a place where we cannot move forward without giving up friends and home, and all that we hold dear of a worldly nature. We find much within, too, to overcome; selfishness, covetousness, impatience, self-will, the lusts of the flesh, the pride of life, and the love of the world.

Dear brethren, how many of us are willing to give up everything for a home in glory? Houses and lands, brothers, sisters, &c., &c. Are we willing and anxious to dispose of all that we have to help give the last note of warning to this perishing world? Or are we consoling ourselves with the belief that the Lord wants us to enjoy the good things of this world; that Jesus did not come in 1844 and may not come now; that we may be deceived after all? Brethren, how many of us are in this condition? This is the case with some. They not only say it by their works, but by their words. "By their fruits ye shall know them." May the Lord help us to anoint our eyes that we may see whether we are in the faith. Jesus says, "Fear not, little flock: it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have and give alms." Luke xii, 22, 23.

How can we keep the Faith of Jesus without obeying all its requirements? "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven." Should not this teach us a lesson? Are we placing ourselves in such a position as this? Think of it; a camel, and the eye of a needle; what a vast difference! How utterly impossible for so great an object to go through so small a gate. And do we stand so small a chance of getting through the gate into the city? O Lord, help us to make to ourselves "friends of the mammon of unrighteousness," to "lay up our treasure in heaven," to "be faithful over a few things," that we may be prepared for the coming of the Saviour, is our prayer.

We have been passing through severe trials here of late. The truth is manifesting those who are determined to buy gold tried in the fire, though it may cost all they have in this world; while others appear as though they thought they were rich and increased with goods, and had need of nothing. Saith the Apostle, "Faith without works is dead, being alone." "Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles?" "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Lord have mercy upon thy people and give not thy heritage to reproach.

Brethren pray for us that we faint not by the way. Yours striving to overcome, A. J. & F. L. RICHMOND. Green Bush, Mich., June 22d, 1857.