p. 23 | L E T T E R S by J. S. Wicks

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 8, 1859

L E T T E R S .

By J. S. Wicks

“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”

From Bro. Wicks.

Bro. Smith : I feel like giving in my testimony on the Lord's side, although it has only been about eighteen months since I embraced the third angel's message. I was brought to behold the truth of the third message under the preaching of the word by Bro. Frisbie, and I can truly say that I thank God that he ever showed me that I must keep all his commandments and have the faith of Jesus. O may I ever walk in the light of the blessed truth as it is in Jesus. The Lord saw fit, as I trust, to show me light in the first message in the winter of '43–4. Then and there I was first led to seek an interest in the atoning blood of Christ.

Dear brethren and sisters, how pleasant it did then, as it does now, seem to me, to hear and feel that Jesus is soon coming. But then I, with many others, met the sad disappointment of my Master's not coming at the supposed appointed time, but was not satisfied to give up my hope. Nay, I have ever since believed from my heart that the time would come when I should behold Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven, and ever since have been seeking to know his will concerning me, and to be prepared to meet him when he should return from the wedding. But I find that the enemy of all good has been engaged in leading me, in that great city, Babylon, from one street (denomination) to another, till he led me into Spiritualism, and then told me that the Bible was false, that it was a fable, and not the truth; that there was no Devil, no Saviour, &c. But, dear brethren and sisters, that was too much for me; the still small voice seemed again to say, Flee from the wrath to come. I then renounced him and his work, and I do know him to be a liar and the father of lies. Now I feel to thank God that he has again called after me and has taught me that I must keep his holy commandments and the faith of Jesus. Although I often have trials, yet I feel that the Lord is with me. Yes, thanks be to his holy name, I believe the time is fast hastening when he that is to come will come and will not tarry. Let us be prepared to meet him with joy and not with grief.

How it cheers my heart to read the testimonies from the remnant scattered abroad. Let us not be discouraged when almost in sight of the prize, but let us lay hold of the promises of God with an unyielding grasp, for the promise is to the faithful. I am determined by the grace of God to be a faithful follower of the meek and lowly Jesus. Pray for me, dear brethren and sisters.

J. S. WICKS.

Wright, Mich.