Encouragement to Serve God
By I. N. Van Gorder
BRO. SMITH : I can say I rejoice in the present truth. I feel encouraged to press my way onward, and to grow in grace. "They that feared the Lord spake often one to another." How true it is that they that truly fear the Lord and are trying to keep all his commandments, earnestly desire to hear from the brethren. How cheering it is to hear from the East and West, that there are a few who are willing to sacrifice all on earth, for the hope of an inheritance in Christ's glorious kingdom. O let us be more engaged, for the time is very short. Knowing this, it stands us in hand to be up, and work out our own salvation; because no one else can do it for us. Every one has a work to do, and the place to commence is with ourselves. We cannot hope to be saved through the obedience of any but Christ. Then let every one of us act for ourselves, serving God as we should, "that others, although they speak evil against us, may by our good works, which they shall behold, be led to glorify God." Can we have our affections placed on things of the world and in heaven too? Our Saviour said, "You cannot serve God and mammon." Let us serve God. "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Let us lay up our treasure in heaven. "A tree is known by its fruit." O let every action and every word prove our profession. It is believed that actions speak louder than words, and if our general deportment (which is the fruit) is not good, we shall be condemned by those around us, and shall not lead them to glorify God. O that we could comprehend the Third Angel's Message more fully. Although we profess it, do we in reality realize that we are living in the very last end of the world? that our Redeemer will soon come to take his ransomed people home? O, what a solemn thought! What a truly solemn time to all who have a realizing sense of the present state of the world, and know that the present is the last message of mercy to man! May the Lord help us to have our whole heart in the work. Brethren and sisters, we can all help by placing works already published in the hands of our friends, and praying God to bless the effort put forth to do good. Remember the prayer of faith will be heard, and ours is a prayer-answering God. We do not pray enough. There is strength in prayer. Let us have faith, and pray as did Elijah, be fervent in spirit serving the Lord. Yours striving for the kingdom.
I. N. VANGORDER. Hernottsville, Pa., Jan, 9th, 1859.