p. 198 | F. T. WALES by F. T. Wales

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 7, 1861

F. T. WALES

By F. T. Wales

From Bro. Wales.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I realize that it is a great privilege that we as a body of christians enjoy, that we can comfort and exhort one another through the Review. My heart is made glad every week while reading the many sweet testimonies from my dear brethren and sisters. Although I am so weak, and often come far short of glorifying God as I ought, I feel it a privilege to say a few words through the Review to my dear brethren and sisters traveling on to mount Zion. It has been about a year and a half since I embraced the third message, and ever since I have been trying to keep God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. Though oftentimes I do not reflect the image of Jesus as at all times it is my heart's desire to do, yet my determination is to hold out unto the end.

Brethren and sisters, while I consider how good the Lord has been to me and mine, and then think of the promises which I read in his word, it causes my heart to burst forth with acclamation and rejoicing. And then while I reflect a moment I am led to mourn because of my unthankfulness and my so little gratitude to Him who has done so much for me. I can say with the psalmist, My tongue shall speak of thy word, for all thy commandments are righteousness. Let thine hand help me, for I have chosen thy precepts. I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord, and thy law is my delight.

Oftentimes while temptations and trials surround me and my own wicked heart to contend with, too, I am led to look away by the eye of faith to the land where there will be no more sin, no more tempting enemy to contend with, the land where the inhabitants will say no more they are sick. There will be the beautiful tree of life, and the river of life clear as crystal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb; and there, too, we shall see God and the Lamb. There we shall see the angels which now administer to us, and there we shall see all of God's dear saints. There Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will be present. There we shall meet to part no more. There we shall again greet our relatives, who have been dear and near to us through this life, but now sleep in the cold dust. There in that world of glory and beauty, they will greet us again to part no more. O yes, brethren, there (if we are faithful here) we shall go up to worship the Lord of hosts from year to year, and from one Sabbath to another, and from one new moon to another, saith the Lord.

Then brethren and sisters, can we set our affections upon this poor old earth while having such a view of the new heavens and the new earth? Can we halt an hour, or a moment? Can we be laying up treasure here on this sin-stricken earth, and holding on to the things of the world, and grasping them with both hands while we know there are such mansions prepared for those who love God with all the heart? Certainly we cannot. O, my heart longs for that day when Jesus shall come and take his ransomed ones home. May God help you and me to be giving all diligence to make our calling and election sure. May we be living out pure and undefiled religion before the world. Let us be faithful in all points. Let us suffer on with our Master until he comes, and then we will be with him forevermore. I desire an interest in your prayers, dear brethren scattered abroad, that I may meet you on mount Zion with the Lamb and the 144000 to sing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

"We'll be there, we'll be there, in a little while, We'll join the pure and the blest; We'll have the palm, the robe, the crown, And forever be at rest."

F. T. WALES

Melbourne, C. E.