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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 28, 1858

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 12, No. 23.

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LETTERS.

By J. T. Ashley

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

From Bro. Ashley.

BRO. SMITH: I believe without any doubt that we are living under the reign of the two-horned beast, and he is going to make war with the saints because they keep the commandments of God. We read in Rev. xiii, 12, And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him. And again in Rev. xvi. 6, For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink, for they are worthy. It seems that those upon whom those plagues are poured out, have shed the blood of saints and prophets.
We need to live a very prayerful life in order to escape those things that are coming on the earth. I find too often the lukewarm feeling stealing over me. We must live very near to God in order to overcome. This is a time when "darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people;" when sin and iniquity abound, and the love of many waxes cold.
Thank God that I ever saw the light of the Third Angel's Message, and the commandments of God. I cannot praise him enough for his goodness to me. Itis time we were all awake, and had on the whole armor. We need not be afraid to trust God and rely all upon his promises. They are sure and will not fail. What a fountain of strength and grace we have to go to! It never was exhausted. He is more willing to give good gifts to his children than earthly parents are. His ear is ever open to the cry of the needy, and he will withhold no good thing from those who walk uprightly. What promises he has given us! The way from earth to heaven is straight and narrow; yet I do not feel to complain of it. Heaven, if it should cost us our life, is none too dear. If we would reign with Christ we should be willing to suffer with him. I want to inherit that land where the inhabitants shall no more say, I am sick; where sorrow and mourning shall flee away. The thought arises, Shall I be permitted to enter the New Jerusalem? If we love God we shall keep his commandments, and they will not be grievous.
J. T. ASHLEY. Dartmouth, Mass., Oct., 1858.