ESTHER M. BILLINGS by Esther M. Billings

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 9, 1860

ESTHER M. BILLINGS

By Esther M. Billings

From Sister Billings.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I would once more say to you that I am striving to keep all the commandments of God, and to walk in the highway of holiness cast up for the redeemed of the Lord to walk in. The church in this place have lately received a visit from Bro. Welcome, and other dear brethren and sisters from abroad, and we were much encouraged and strengthened to press forward on our way toward the kingdom. It was hard to part with those to whom our hearts were united by the strong tie of christian love; but we look forward with joy to that bright morn when we shall meet to part no more. Yes, when he who is our life shall appear, we shall appear with him in glory. Every one having this hope in him, purifieth himself, even as he is pure. Are we all striving to purify ourselves? or are many of us settling down into quiet, believing, because we have the truth, we have nothing to do? O, we must be sanctified through the truth if it prove a saving truth to us. We must obey the first great commandment, to love the Lord our God with all our soul, might, mind and strength. Are we all doing this? If we are, we are just prepared to keep all the other commandments and do the will of God in sounding the last message with a loud cry. The way to get into this position is to consecrate all to God, and have our hearts cleansed from all sin by faith in the atoning, cleansing blood of Christ. Then, how easy to keep all his commandments and the faith of Jesus! O yes, we have confidence toward God when we are living in "childlike, blest submission" to his will, and believe in, and rely upon, all his precious promises. O, do we not know there is virtue in the blood of Jesus to cleanse from all sin? Is he not a whole Saviour? O, yes, he is, my soul is witness. His blood can wash away the last stain that sin has made, can extract the last root of bitterness and leave nothing unholy there. Then the perfect love of God will fill our souls to overflowing, and we be enabled to rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

O that each brother and sister might see the necessity of being endued with power from on high, to qualify them to go out in the great work. We must be a holy people, without spot or blemish, to be presented before the Father. Without holiness no man can see the Lord.

Our little church have raised the standard of holiness, and we are striving to rally closely around it, and to daily draw sap and nourishment from Christ the living vine. Many are the precious seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord which we enjoy. Many are looking for the latter rain to prepare them for the day of trouble. But must we not get ready for that also by heeding the counsel of the faithful and true Witness. May God enable us to have on the whole armor of God and then we can stand against all who may oppose. My heart is with the people of God. I love the bleeding cause of truth, and my heart is in the last message. O may it soon go with a loud cry. I feel that the harvest of the earth is almost ripe, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. May we all be ready to meet him, is my prayer.

ESTHER M. BILLINGS

Portage City, Wis.