Faith Amid Persecution
By H. L. Daniels
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I esteem it not only a duty, but a privilege, to obey God and keep all his commandments, and the faith of his dear Son, who was willing to give his life a ransom for us, that we by obedience to the gospel, might finally obtain everlasting life. Although we are strangers and pilgrims here in this sinful world, surrounded on every side by those who love to persecute us, yet, blessed be the God of Israel, he is able to deliver us as he did his ancient people. But says the Saviour, Ye shall have tribulation; ye shall be persecuted falsly for my name's sake. Dear friends this time has come. But what are we to do? Are we to get discouraged, and give up our faith? O no, Jesus says, Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great is your reward in heaven; for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Then let us exhort one another daily, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. We can now look up by the eye of faith and see Jesus coming in the clouds of glory; yet how few believe this sublime truth. While many scoff at the doctrine of the coming of the Just One, and cry "peace, peace, when there is no peace," "my Lord delayeth his coming," and "where is the promise of his coming," &c., Jesus says to the faithful, waiting flock, Look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. O may the Lord keep us in the faith, that we may be able to escape the seven last plagues, which are soon to be poured out upon all the wicked.
H. L. DANIELS.
Woodhull, N. Y., Oct. 1858.