Living in the Last Days
By P. F. Ferciot
Bro. Smith: I feel much interested in the cause of present truth. I feel thankful that I have been called from darkness to light, and from the traditions of men to the truth. Yes, I feel willing to give all I possess in this world for the pearl of great price. If we walk not in the light when we have it, great will be our condemnation. I do believe we are having the last message, and are living in the last days. O let us contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints. We can see that moral darkness is spreading over the land very fast. We see people striving to do away God's law; they do not want it written in their hearts, but say as the Jews did to our Saviour, Away with it. It is no wonder that God should forsake a people that have nothing but a mere form. They have a name to live but are dead. They call Jesus Lord, but they do not the things he commands them to do. What manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness, seeing that we look for the glorious appearing of Jesus. I desire to have the truth on every point, and if I have a right idea, there are very few that live it out. We read when Zaccheus of old received the truth, was willing to share his goods with the poor. He says, "The half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I will restore him four fold." Are we willing to do the same? or shall we shut up our bowels of compassion from the poor? If a brother or sister be destitute of the things of this life, shall we say unto them, Be ye clothed, be ye fed, and give them nothing? how dwelleth the love of God in such? Are we letting our light shine before men, like Zaccheus? or are we laying up treasures here upon earth, that their rust may eat our flesh as it were fire? The time in which we live forbids our laying up for our children. We should set them better examples. O let us not give the lie to our profession, but be always abounding in the work of the Lord. Let us not sleep as do others; but let us watch and be sober. Let us beware of the snares which the Devil is laying to trap us. Let us beware of covetousness, for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things he possesses. If we covet anything let us covet the best gifts; so says the apostle Paul; and lay up for ourselves durable riches, a treasure in the heavens, that our hearts may be there. My brethren and sisters, I thank the Lord that we have nothing to fear, but can hope for all things if we are faithful. O what a glorious thought that we are to have eternal life. It is promised to the overcomers; those who shall endure to the end. O may the Lord help us to do his commandments, that we may have right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city. I want to stand upon mount Zion. Brethren aid me by your prayers, and pray for the church at Lovett's Grove that the standard may be raised, the truth prevail, and volunteers enlist in this glorious cause.