DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Believing we are in a most solemn time, the closing up of all earthly scenes, and when the last work for the church is being done, and being taught by the word of the Lord to exhort one another and so much the more as we see the day approaching, I have been constrained to add my feeble testimony to others who have spoken175through the Review. It is six years last April since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, but never before did I realize as I now do the narrow way and strait gate that leads unto life eternal. When I commenced keeping the Sabbath I thought I made a sacrifice of all, reputation, parents, brothers, sisters, and what little I possessed of this world's goods; but I have found my heart clinging to them, and I now know the reason it has been so hard for me to give them up was a lack of consecration to God.
For a few months in the past I have endeavored to heed the counsel to the Laodiceans, to be zealous and repent. I believe we have no time to lose. The faithful and true Witness says, Because thou art neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. If we remain in this condition there is no mercy for us. Brother, sister, do you realize this? How many have acknowledged themselves lukewarm for some months in the past, that have not the evidence it is otherwise with them now. Do you not see you are under the threatening of the Almighty? I entreat you to wake up. Do not let the enemy keep you in his snare any longer. How many of my sisters are putting on apparel they would not have worn when they first embraced the last call of mercy. How many indulge in impatience in their families, love of the world, pride of life, while God's servants that he has chosen to bear the Message of the Third Angel to the people have to leave all, endure fatigue and privations, that we know nothing of.
While I exhort you I would confess my own sins. I have not known how much I loved the world until my eyes were anointed. I can now see that I have been worldly and covetous. But O how forbearing is the lovely Jesus. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear, and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve that thou mayest see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten be zealous therefore and repent. Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me. Matchless love! O blessed Jesus, fill us with thy love! Jesus shows his love for us although we are lukewarm, and gives us the last chance to be saved. There is great danger of our refusing so long to open the door that the promised blessing will be given to others, and we left to blindness and unbelief.
I am striving to buy the gold, white raiment and eye-salve. All I have and am is the Lord's, and I want it all on the altar a consuming sacrifice.
We have but a little while to lay up a treasure in heaven. Let us try to lay up a little every day. Let the consecration be entire, and all will be easy. The yoke is easy and the burden light. Bro. White's address to Sabbath-keepers, parents and children is excellent. May we all heed his timely counsel.
Yours striving to overcome.
D. S. GARDNER.
Bristol, Vt., Sept. 14th, 1857.