'Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.'
From Bro. Amadon.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS, and all who love the Lord Jesus Christ and his soon appearing, I feel like saying a few words to you by way of encouragement. For indulging such a blessed hope as we do, it is hard to keep silence. The Lord is coming, and the fact that he is soon coming, constitutes it one of the most exhilarating and lively themes in the Christian faith. And when we open the door of our hearts and let the Saviour in, it will place us in a similar position with good old Jeremiah, who declared that he was "weary with holding in." Then we shall long in the Spirit of Jesus Christ "to speak and be refreshed."
But there remains a great work to be done for each of us prior to standing on Mt. Zion. To be sure there are degrees to this work as well as kinds. While some have to contend with levity and jesting, there are others who have to strive against selfishness and a too hasty spirit. In fact, time would fail to mention the many things those will have to overcome who eventually stand upon Mt. Zion; for they could not be specified in this paper. But, cheer up, dear brethren, for this long category of different sins does not inhere entirely in every one; but they seem to distribute promiscuously among us all, and while I have some one or more besetments, you also have "some thorn" in the flesh, to get the victory over which, you must cry incessantly to Israel's God.
I fully believe we have got to the Laodicean state of the church, and wherever there may be found a true child of God, he is in it—and sooner or later he will confess it. And while of late the "remnant of the seed of the woman" have been trying to rise, but yet made no great ascent, I thought I discovered an error here—at least in myself if not in my brethren. It is this: not keeping the "unity of the Spirit," or retaining the blessing of the Lord when it is given. Now we are all often blessed, and sometimes with joy inexpressible, and did we carry this blessing with us continually, it would have as much potency as the clearest point in present truth; it would make the people of God "terrible as an army with banners." But alas, too often we arise from our knees, and as the "cares of life" press in, the Spirit of God flees out, and we straightway forget "what manner of persons we were." Examine on this point, James i, 21, and read it with care.
We, dear brethren, are blessed with the knowledge of truth that "breaks every yoke," and "sets us free," when we have the same Spirit which in times past indicted it. The ten commandments and faith of Jesus constitute a platform broad enough for all the world to stand upon. Jesus says, [John xiv, 23.] "If a man love me he will keep my words, (sayings, i. e., the Faith or Testimony, of Jesus, which is the Spirit of prophecy,) and my Father will love him; and we will come unto him and make our abode with him." This is what I understand by letting the Saviour in. It is by being purged of all dross, and letting our bodies become the temple of the Holy Ghost, and Jesus Christ dwelling there by faith until we behold him "face to face," and "see him as he is." When we as a people get in this position, it can truly be said our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. 1 John i, 3.
O for the abiding witness that our daily course is pleasing to God.
"One precious boon, O Lord I seek,
While tossed upon life's billowy sea;
To hear a voice within me speak,
Thy Saviour is well pleased with thee.
"Earth's scoffs and scorn well pleased I'll bear,
Nor mourn though under foot I'm trod,
If day by day I may but share
Thine approbation, O my God."
Your unworthy brother, hoping soon to be found "without spot or wrinkle or any such thing."