Bringing Light Into Darkness
By A. S. Wilkinson
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Through the infinite mercy of my heavenly Father I still live and enjoy many blessings of which I am not worthy. It is about eight months since I received the present truth through the preaching of the word by Bro. Cornell. I feel daily to praise the Lord that Bro. Cornell's steps were ever directed to this place to give us the third angel's message. I have found by experience that this world is not a friend to grace. Some of my young companions with whom I associated before I came into the truth now seem to avoid my society; but this is no more than I expected. I feel that if they cannot love my precious Saviour who is so worthy, I do not wish them to love me who am but a poor, unworthy, imperfect creature at best. I often think of these words, "He that will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." O, what is this poor, fleeting, wicked world compared with that bright, beautiful and eternal one which all the saints will inherit! I feel that I am willing to forsake all for the kingdom of heaven. I can truly say that I have had far greater enjoyment since I received the truth than I have had before in all my life. O, how cheering it is to my heart to hear from the dear scattered ones who are keeping the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. It seems to kindle anew the flame of love in my heart. I feel to praise the Lord for bringing me out of darkness into his marvelous light. I feel a desire to do all that I can for him who has done so much for me. I realize that we have but a very short time to work. Almost every day do I see and hear things which strengthen my faith in the near coming of our Saviour. This bears me up. I will gladly suffer with Jesus, if I can but reign with him in glory. The prospect looks bright ahead. The signs tell us that God's everlasting kingdom is soon to be set up. We are almost home. Courage, fellow pilgrim, a few more "light afflictions," and we shall receive "the far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." We shall soon see the King in his beauty, soon see the mansions that Jesus has gone to prepare for us. O I long to see him whom my soul loveth. Pray for me that I may endure unto the end. Your sister, seeking for glory, honor and immortality.
A. S. WILKINSON.
Owosso, Mich.