p. 118 | LETTERS by N. G. Sanders

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 18, 1858

LETTERS.

By N. G. Sanders

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Sister Sanders.

BRO. SMITH: There are now but three of us here that keep the Sabbath. Some in Ripon have let the standard fall. We feel deeply mortified over the course of some who have so publicly advocated the Sabbath and other things which we deem important, and now have turned their backs on the way. But their fall calls loudly upon us to have on the whole armor of God. While we mourn their fall, it is still another evidence that perils beset us thickly, and that he that thinketh he standeth must take heed lest he fall. For myself I feel that my only safety consists in a close walk with God. I know that the world is waxing worse and worse; but it seems to me that those who profess to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, are not correspondingly improving, at least so I can say of myself.

Can it be true that this thoughtless world is hearing the last message of mercy? that Jesus is now blotting out the sins of his people? that now we may expect and share in the refreshing from the presence of the Lord? that Jesus is so soon coming to raise the sleeping saints, and change those who will then have passed through the perils of the last days and endured to the end? Can it be ours to witness the coming again of that same Jesus, and say, "Lo this is our God and we have waited for him and he will save us?" Is it true that here, those who so imperfectly represent the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus shall be accounted worthy to suffer persecution for them?

I know that unbelief will answer, no, to all these queries, and say, "Where is the promise of his coming?" but are not these perilous times? does not iniquity abound, and has not the love of many waxed cold? Have not many departed from the faith, giving heed to the seducing spirits? Yes verily. These things are so; and however much beyond the present the days may reach, these things must increase with the increase of time, till the day that Jesus is seen coming in the clouds of heaven, to take vengeance on them that know not God, and obey not the gospel; for the same day that Noah entered into the ark, the flood came and took them all away. So shall it be in the day of the Son of Man. In view of all these things, what manner of persons should we be in all holy conversation and godliness. But first of all, in view of the love of God manifested in the plan of redemption, we should consecrate ourselves to him, be probation's hours long or short; and with those who have tasted of the joys of the world to come, this is the moving power. But we may yet rejoice in view of the glorious events which we hope to witness. Jesus says, "When these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads." Will it not be a glorious privilege to live when Jesus shall be revealed from heaven, to give reward to his servants the prophets, and to all those who fear his name? to live and see the end for which, and of which, prophets wrote and spoke, suffered and died? to see God's few, (and consequently despised,) people, owned by the King of kings, (ah! and to be of that number) when the mighty men and kings of the earth shall flee from his presence?

But to endure to the end, a consecration in word only, will not do: we must be joined to the living Head, we must be led by the Spirit; and I thank God that men cannot take from his feeblest follower this privilege, though they have tried so often. God's promises are yet faithfully kept, and will be though heaven and earth may be removed. Now we dwell where sorrow, sin and death reign, beset on every hand, tempted, tried and afflicted, cast down but not destroyed; but shall we not ere long sing the song of Moses and the Lamb? Shall we not wear the crown which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give at that day to all who love his appearing? While we gaze by faith on that glittering crown, let us not forget that the cross must lead the way. Who would wish to take the prize without winning the race? Who would wear the crown, without bearing the cross? I remember one who said, "Though all men forsake thee, yet will not I." May we not be found as he was soon after, but patiently enduring, may we at last be found clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

Yours in hope of the reward. N. G. SANDERS. Rush Lake, Wis., Feb. 7th, 1858.

P. S. Have the brethren concluded that Hall and Stephenson have spread such devastation in Wis., that God is not able to prosper good seed in its soil, if such were sown? We are patiently waiting for some one that can come as Paul said he was coming of old, in the Spirit and power of the gospel of Christ. N. G. S.