Hope of Christ’s Coming
By Harriet N. Paine
BRO. SMITH : I can truly say that the Lord is good. I have of late felt much of his Holy Spirit with me. I feel that he owns me as his child, and if I continue faithful in obedience to all his requirements I expect he will give me an abundant entrance through the pearly gates into the city of God. I am looking forward with joyful anticipation to the time when Jesus will come and take us to himself, that where he is there we may be also. I feel that the hope I have within me is like an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast. I do rejoice that we are so near home. The prospect looks bright. We are nearing the haven of rest. Soon we shall be free from the power of the enemy, where he can no more tempt or annoy us. I can truly say with the poet, "I long to be there! and the thought that 'tis near
Makes me almost impatient for Christ to appear,
And fit up that dwelling of glories so rare,
The earth robed in beauty, I long to be there." It is about six years since I commenced trying to keep all the commandments of God, and I find as the Psalmist says, "great peace have they that love thy law." I can say I love God, and I delight to do the will of my Father which is in heaven. I feel that this world is not my home. I am traveling to a better country. I am "looking for a city that hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God," and by his grace I mean to be an overcomer, and with the blood-washed company "stand on the sea of glass, having the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark." I rejoice that the light of truth ever shone upon my pathway, and that I have been enabled to receive it in the love of it. To God be all the praise. HARRIET N. PAINE.
New Boston, Mass., March 6th, 1858.