JOHN J. CURTIS by John J. Curtis

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

JOHN J. CURTIS

By John J. Curtis

From Bro. Curtis.

BRO. SMITH : How cheering it is to hear from the brethren and sisters, and to read their soul-stirring and comforting letters, and hear them testify to the goodness of God to them in their loneliness. It gives me new courage. I feel to acknowledge the goodness of God to me, for he has done great things for me. My troubles and trials here are nothing to be compared to the never-ending joy that awaits the faithful; and I feel to press my way on, and hold out to the end, by the grace of God helping me. I think I can truly join in the song, "Farewell all earthly treasure." Jesus is my treasure; heaven is my home. I long for the day when Jesus will come to redeem his people. I often feel to say, Come, Lord Jesus, come and reign; yet I feel it to be a solemn time. We read that it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. It must be to the unprepared; but to those who can look up and say, This is our God, we have waited for him, it will be a pleasure to be in the hands of God, our heavenly Father.

I can truly say that by reading the Great Controversy, I have been greatly strengthened and encouraged, and I feel to bless the Lord that he is mindful of his people in these last days of great peril, in giving us new and glorious light fresh from the Sanctuary above, to cheer and comfort us on through this vale of tears. It is very necessary that we watch and keep our eye on the work lest the enemy overcome us, or divert our minds, and ere we are aware we find ourselves far from the strait and narrow path. The Lord has said that it will take all to buy the field. I believe it; and I am resolved by God's grace assisting me, to work as a day-laborer in the vineyard of the Lord. I want to be made free from sin. I must have on the wedding garment. I hope to meet all the dear saints on the new earth; and for this I will strive. We must be found without spot and blameless.

Yours striving to overcome,

JOHN J. CURTIS

Allegan, Mich.