Hungering and Thirsting After Righteousness
Bro. O. B. Stiles writes from Bloomer, Mich., Sept. 12th, 1857. "I hope to be enabled to hold on my way and to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and obtain eternal life by keeping the Commandments of God, being cleansed from all sin by the atoning blood of the dear Redeemer. O for the gold tried in the fire that I may be rich toward God; that faith that works by love and purifies the heart. O for the white and spotless robe of Jesus' righteousness that I may be clothed." "Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled," is a sweet promise to me. O for the eye-salve to anoint my eyes, that I may see clearly the path of duty, and know all God's will concerning me. Shall I ever enter the realms of glory, bask in the smiles of the blessed Redeemer, and hear the songs of the redeemed? Shall I join with them in shouting praises to God and the Lamb? Shall I hear the blessed invitation of Jesus, 'Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world?' Blessed hope of life and immortality, beyond this vale of sin and sorrow! How truly do I this evening sense the question of my Saviour, 'What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?'