Encouragement in the Laodicean Message
By Lucy Harris
Bro. Smith: I have the inestimable privilege of belonging to that despised company who are gathered under the sounding of the Third Angel's Message to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. It is over five years since myself and daughter, with no one to go with us, commenced keeping God's holy Sabbath, and the blessing of God rested down on us, and we felt that in keeping his commandments there was indeed a great reward. I have passed through much trouble, and feel that God's promise to Paul has been verified to me, and his grace has been sufficient for me. Many times have I been led to exclaim, "Why was I made to hear his voice
And enter while there's room;
While thousands make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come." The first article that I read comparing our state and standing to the Laodiceans, seemed to me rather severe; but my heavenly Father has indeed made me to feel that I am wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. I have not for a moment felt like going back into the world, or seeking enjoyment from it; for I have felt that it had none for me, and I have kept looking to the Lord, but many times have been led to cry out, O my leanness, my leanness! But thanks to our heavenly Father, I do feel that I mean to try to be zealous and repent, and gird on the heavenly armor anew; to buy gold, and white raiment, and eye-salve. The Lord help me. Brethren and sisters, let us not be discouraged. Signs of our Lord's returning are thickening around us, and we can truly say, "Now is our salvation nearer than when we believed."