Testimony in Favor of Present Truth
By Rufus Hitchcock
BRO. SMITH:—I embrace this opportunity of giving my testimony in favor of present truth. I believe with all my heart that we are living in the last days, and in perilous times. Wicked men and seducers are waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. Satan is at work with all power, signs and lying wonders. Brethren and sisters, let us be on our watch at all times lest in an unguarded moment we be led captive by the enemy of all righteousness. I am still striving to keep all God's commandments, and the testimony of Jesus. But when I view my past life, I see I have made many crooked paths, and come far short of doing the will of my heavenly Master. I find I am a poor Laodicean; but I am determined by the grace of God assisting me, to be zealous and repent of my lukewarmness, and get the door of my heart open, so that Jesus can come in and sup with me and I with him. I want to be prepared to rise with the Message of the Third Angel; but I fear many times that I shall be left behind, I am so unfaithful, so liable to wander from the right way. I lack many of the christian graces, especially faith, charity and patience, but I am not discouraged. I mean to keep striving to overcome, putting my trust in God; for his grace is sufficient to carry us safely through. I hope to be an overcomer through the word of my testimony and the blood of Jesus. RUFUS HITCHCOCK. Locke, Mich., May 4th, 1857.