"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Sister Ginley.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Realizing in some little degree the benefit derived from hearing through the Review from fellow-travelers to Mount Zion, of the trials and difficulties they meet with in the way, of their present prospects, of what our Lord has done for them, and of the blessed hope that buoys their spirits up, I desire to throw in my testimony on the Lord's side, knowing that it is through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony that we are to overcome.
The path we are striving to travel is rugged and thorny, as well as strait and narrow, and there are difficulties all along the way; and were it not for the47glorious prospect before us, and the blessed promises we should faint by the way. Some have to wade through affliction's fiery furnace, it is true; but all these light afflictions work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, and are not worthy to be compared with the joys that await the faithful. I think, on the whole, that we ought not to stop to think and talk of trials, but thank God and take courage that things are as well with us as they are, that we have any disposition to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, and to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. There is every inducement for us to strive to be faithful, that a kind Saviour can give, and nothing but death, eternal death, if we turn back, and all we have to fear is our own sinful hearts. At least this is the case with me, and often am I led to exclaim, "the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" But my prayer is that I may see my heart as Jesus sees it, and that he will purify and make it a fit place for the indwelling of his Holy Spirit.
I know that Jesus is soon coming, but I must have a realizing sense of this fact; for I feel that every act of mine ought to be in reference to this one thing, and it seems strange how any one that believes in the soon coming of Christ, can hold on to their possessions, be so careful about a little of this world's goods, and so fearful they shall do more than their part. If we could realize that the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, and we his stewards, some of us would act very differently. If I know my heart, I desire to save all that I have and am consecrated to the Lord, and give myself a living and willing sacrifice holy and acceptable, which is my most reasonable service.