p. 23 | The Blessed Hope

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 5, 1860

The Blessed Hope

Bro. A. A. Marks writes from Jackson, Mich.: "By the aid of the blessed hope I am yet looking beyond the trials and troubles of this world to that reward soon to be given to the saints in the earth made new. Here are losses, and crosses, disappointments, and sorrow, and pain; there in that bright world amid the beauties of the new earth, will be the palms of victory and crowns of glory that fade not away; and Jesus will be the giver of all this, to him that overcometh. O, who would not wish to exchange the sorrows of this dark world for the joys of that immortal inheritance, where the saints of all ages will plant their feet on a soil free from the curse. Here how often do we see the lovely and the beautiful fade away in death, while others are left to mourn; there Jesus, the great Life-giver, will destroy death, and bring up the saints clothed with immortal health, beyond the reach of pain or death. Truly ours is a blessed hope, as we toil on amid the trials and sorrows of earth, to know that the coming of Jesus and the redemption of our body, is but just before us.

"The Lord is coming; but shall I be ready to meet him? I love to meet with the people of God now and join in their worship; but what will it be to join the songs of the redeemed in the kingdom of Christ, and to stand upon mount Zion with the Lamb? But if we would share in the reward of the people of God, we must live as they have lived here. There is a battle to fight, a race to run and a victory to gain.

"May God help us brethren and sisters to pattern after Jesus; and now while the plan of salvation is drawing to a close, and the third angel's message is doing its work, may we be found gathering with Christ and clinging closer to the body, that should a shaking time come, we may not be spued out of the Lord's mouth. Let us take courage brethren. There is glory for the saint of God but a little in the distance. Look up lone pilgrim and lift up your head; your redemption draweth nigh. Let faith penetrate the darkness that many times presses in upon us, and take hold on God; he is ready and willing to help his children, if they but trust in him and do his will. Let none falter now, when we are so near the end. A few more conflicts with the powers of darkness and all will be over. A few more trials and tribulations and persecutions to wade through, and we if faithful shall stand upon mount Zion with the Lamb beyond the reach of sorrow."