"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Bro. Wilcox.
BRO. SMITH: I wish through the Review once more to relate a little of the goodness of God to unworthy me. It is now a little more than six and a half years since I first heard the blessed sound of the third angel's message, under the preaching of Brn. Ingraham and Rhodes, and embraced with joy the soul-stirring truths which they were enabled to set forth so clearly at that time in Brookfield, N. Y. I believe the sweet, heavenly influence of the Holy Spirit attended their preaching, while they zealously and faithfully labored for the salvation of precious souls in that place. I feel that I have great cause of gratitude and love to Him who led me by strong convictions of his Holy Spirit at that time to set out in this good way of striving to keep his holy Sabbath, as well as the rest of his just commandments.
For days I experienced that joy and peace in believing which the world knows not of, feeling the sweet assurance within, that God for Christ's sake had forgiven all my sins. But, dear brethren, notwithstanding the sweet consolation I then enjoyed through trying to obey and follow our dear Saviour, and in the blessed anticipation of his glorious appearing and the glory then to be revealed, I can say with you that I am not a stranger to trials, though my trials no doubt are very light to many of yours. I have passed through some sore conflicts of mind in my short experience in the Christian warfare; but I feel to praise God that he has given me grace hitherto to hold on to his strong arm, although at times it has been with a trembling hand. I can say in honor of his exalted name, that when my steps had well nigh slipped, he faithfully verified to me that comforting promise of his word to all the tempted and tried ones in this vale of sorrow, "But God is faithful who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that ye may be able to bear it." 1 Cor. x, 13.
Should any dear brother or sister chance to read these lines, who may be halting between two opinions, whether to give up the truth or hold on, let me kindly exhort you to give earnest heed to that word by which all mankind will very soon be judged, which says: "Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord. Behold the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient, establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." James v, 7, 8. And again to the profitable instruction given by Peter in his second epistle, chap. i, 12: "Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things though ye know them, and be established in the present truth."
I have thought of late, if it was of so much importance for the followers of Christ in the apostle's day to be established in what was then termed present truth, certainly it can be of no less importance for all the people of God to be as thoroughly established in the present truth applicable to this generation, where our lot has fallen amid the "perils of the last days."
I know by sad experience that it is a miserable state of mind to be in, sometimes just ready to give up trying to serve the Lord when little trials arise. In that unhappy state of mind we can neither enjoy the society of God's people, nor that of the wicked. But thanks be to God I can say that about three years since I came to the fixed resolution, that come life or death, joy or sorrow, I would still try and persevere in that straight and narrow path which leads to everlasting life; and I still feel by the help of God that if I fail I fall in the ranks of God's dear people, and not in the enemy's. No; I prize my Saviour and eternal life too highly to voluntarily give up striving for the kingdom.
Bro Bennett and myself have just returned from our little meeting on the Sabbath at Bro. Charles Andrews, in Brooklyn. It was indeed a precious season to my soul, for Jesus was there in our midst to cheer and comfort our hearts by his sweet Spirit. I doubt not that all felt more or less its melting influence, although there were but seven of us in all, some of our band being detained at home by sickness. I feel an increasing interest for the welfare and prosperity of the cause of present truth, especially in the far West, where the people manifest such an interest to hear on the second coming of Christ.
I have heartily adopted the plan of systematic benevolence, as set forth in the Review for some weeks past, because it is scriptural, reasonable, and just. I can truly say that my desires for holiness of heart and life are increasing. I feel that I have many besetments yet to overcome, but I believe the grace of God will be sufficient. I feel the need of a deeper work in my heart in order to stand against the wiles of the Devil, and also be fitted up to receive a share in the latter rain, and pass safely through the time of trouble. The wicked are waxing worse and worse, and the perils of the last days are thickening on every hand. The awful tide of iniquity seems to be sweeping over the land with dreadful rapidity. We all need to awaken and put on the whole armor of God.
While walking around the streets of this large, wicked city, beholding the sin and misery that everywhere exist, and the extreme objects of pity, of suffering humanity which I often meet, my mind is often carried away to the celestial city above, and I am led to think of the contrast. No such unpleasant sights will greet our enraptured eyes there in the streets of gold, no locking and bolting doors there to keep out thieves, no drunkards nor murderers there, filling the air with their hideous noises in the stillness of midnight. The inhabitants of that fair capital will all be peaceful orderly citizens, and every face we meet will be the face of a friend.
Your brother in Christ, hoping to obtain an entrance there when Jesus comes.