The Joy of the Third Angel’s Message
By M. W. Porter
BRO. SMITH :—I can truly say, The more I read and meditate on the subject of the soon return of the blessed Son of God, and the truth contained in the Third Angel's Message, the more cheering and glorious it is to me. I am becoming more thoroughly convinced day by day of this reviving truth. Most of the time of late, I think I have participated in a foretaste of the joy that is unspeakable and full of glory; but at times before I am really aware of it, I become lukewarm. I plead guilty in this respect. This ought not to be so. It is my duty to be steadfast in the faith wherewith Christ has made me free. I do believe that the warning voice to buy gold tried in the fire, and to be zealous and repent, is intended for the true church of God of the present day. I feel to praise our God that the means, whereby we can be saved have been revealed to his servants. If we can be saved by being zealous and repenting, should we not hail with joy the warning voice? I have for some time been anxious to give in my testimony on the side of truth, but on the account of my not being able to pay the money due to the Review Office from me, I have not. I would that I had the means to do more to stay up the hands of his servants while they are toiling unremittingly for the welfare of mankind. I wish that some servant of God would come and lecture to us. We have a school-house in this district. We live five miles north from Mantorville, Minnesota. Could not Bro. Loughborough or some other one come? To such as my house affords they shall be welcome, and I will pay their expenses to and from this place, and more if I can. There are others that will help. Will some brother come? I have long wished to say something in regard to sister White's visions; but have felt my inability to speak even my own mind. The "Messenger" was sent to me by some one, I know not who, in which was said considerable against sister White and the visions. Now I don't wish them any harm, but I must say I think they have but little faith in God's promises; for he has said, "It shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, that I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall dream dreams," &c. Now I am, for one, willing to take God's word for it. I not only believe the visions of sister White to be from God, (for Satan you know never preaches self-denial,) but I believe it is only as a few small drops before a more plentiful shower. I believe that if the disciples of Jesus are zealous and repent, that ere long there will be a mighty out-pouring of God's Spirit upon them. M. W. PORTER.
Dodge Co., Min. Ter.