To the Persecuted Few by E. Jones

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 2, 1858

To the Persecuted Few

By E. Jones

From Bro. Jones.

Bro. Smith: I have long had it in my heart to write a few words to the persecuted few, but have delayed until the present hour. I feel like one almost alone, out on the tempestuous ocean of time, tossed by the heaving billows of spite and persecution, and merely because I would presume to speak the truth with soberness and sincerity. I am living in the midst of what is called a christian community, but when I endeavor to show them the true ground upon which the christian should anchor his hope, I am at once denounced as wild, and a fanatic. O how slow people are to see their true standing in the sight of a heart-searching and a rein-trying God. When I speak of the second coming of Christ, I am asked where is the promise of his coming? When I speak of the saints' reward, I am told, all that have died have gone to their reward, and for the proof I am referred to Rev xiv. If I speak of the depravity of

man, I am told, "Physician heal thyself." If I speak of the duty and privilege of prayer, I am treated with cold indifference. Finally, the people do not want to hear on the subject of our Lord's soon return, to cleanse and purify the earth. Seeing then we look for such things, what manner of persons ought we to be, having our lamps trimmed and our lights shining, patiently waiting for Him who has said he would come again.

But again I am told that Christ comes at death, and if it is the death of a christian he is taken immediately to some place called heaven, or to his reward. If so where is the necessity of a future judgment? It cannot be found between the lids of the Bible, where the saints are to be judged twice, once at death, then again at the consummation. Where then is the christians hope? Verily in the resurrection; Christ being the first fruits of them that slept. Secondly, they that are Christ's at his coming, not at death, but his coming to judge the world. Then the saints will be raised, and those that are alive will not prevent them that are asleep in their graves; for they shall hear the voice of the Son of God and come forth, and with the living be caught up to meet the Lord, and so shall be forever with him.

O blessed hope! O blest abode! When shall I find myself with God? 'Tis when my Saviour comes again, 'Tis then with him I'll ever reign.

Yours looking for and hastening unto the coming of the Lord. E. Jones. Bloomfield, Mich., Nov. 21st, 1858.