Encouragement to Press On in Faith
By Isaac D. Van Horn
BRO. SMITH: I would say to the lovers of present truth, and to all others, who have a desire to serve the Lord; that I am still holding on to the hope set before us, with firmness and decision. I can say with all my heart that I begin to love to serve the Lord; yea, I can say with Paul, "I delight in the law of God after the inward man." The truth shines brighter, and is becoming more glorious to me. The great plan of salvation is opening to my view, and when I see the precious promises that God has given to cheer the lone pilgrim on, in his journey here; it inspires my heart with new zeal, and gives me fresh courage to strive on a little longer that I may gain the promised inheritance. I am glad it requires the whole heart, and all we possess, to serve the Lord; for then we know that we love him, and that he loveth us. The few of like precious faith, that dwell in this vicinity, have been greatly blessed and encouraged, through the labors of Brn. Allen and Ingraham, to press on to mount Zion. Some have come out decided in the truth while others are investigating. May the Lord bless, that the seed be not sown in vain, but that they with us may get the wisdom that is from above, that our minds may be enlightened on the blessed truths of the word of God. Dear brethren and sisters, let us arise to action and to duty, that we may come up to our high privilege in the Lord. For what will a mere profession amount to? It will not save us, and when it is revealed by fire, it will be nothing but dross. O, let us get the heart into the work; for where our treasure is the heart will be also. And when we have purified our hearts in obeying the truth, then we shall have the gold that is tried in the fire; then our affections will flow out in supreme love to God, and to our neighbor as ourselves; then shall we long for the appearing of Jesus, and hail him with joy when he comes. If the third angel's message is now being sounded, and is the truth (and there is no doubt), it requires of us immediate action, in order to prepare for the solemn scenes that are about to transpire upon the earth. To those that are becoming discouraged, I would say take up the Bible and take another view of the kingdom as there revealed and then seek earnestly for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the Lord will not forsake you. May the Lord help us all to overcome is my prayer.
Yours striving for the kingdom,
ISAAC D. VAN HORN.
Mt. Hawley, Ills.