p. 103 | GIDEON G. DUNHAM by Gideon G. Dunham

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 27, 1861

GIDEON G. DUNHAM

By Gideon G. Dunham

From Bro. Dunham.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: While reading the many interesting letters from brethren and sisters I feel like speaking a few words in like manner. If we cannot praise God under the third angel's message, I fear we never shall; for the wrath of God is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation upon all who do not heed the message. I feel to praise God for giving me a heart to obey his truth, for his goodness and mercy unto me for forgiving my sins, for the blessings I daily receive, for his love shed abroad in my heart. Dear brethren and sisters, I want to so live on earth that I may join in that praise spoken of in Revelation xix. That will be perfect, glorious, praise—the praise of the redeemed. My heart fills with joy and gratitude while thinking of that glorious time. O may none of us who profess the third angel's message fail of joining in that praise.

We shall not fail if we heed the holy word. It is said in Isaiah xl, 31, "But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and walk and not faint." It is my heart's desire and prayer to God that I may overcome every sin, and wait upon the Lord to the end. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. Matt. xxiv, 13.

We believe the end to be near, and so much the more need have we to wait upon the Lord; for we are to be found at the coming of Jesus without fault before the throne of God. Rev. xiv, 5. There is a great work before us to do. We have no time to lose, and while peace and safety is the cry of many, let us, dear brethren and sisters, help to make up the little flock that shall receive the kingdom. If we are able to enter the kingdom, all tears will be wiped from our eyes. Never again will we have to lay our friends away in the silent grave; for they can die no more. Luke xx, 36; Rev. xxi, 4. For the former things are passed away. Add to this the society of bright angels, at whose presence righteous men in this life have stood with fear and trembling, the society of all the righteous of earth, with Jesus for our king, whose countenance is like the sun shining in his strength, besides the glory of the great God, so much above the glory of the sun that the great city hath no need of them, for the glory of God doth lighten it. Praise be to the Lord.

Dear brethren and sisters, could we ask for more glorious promises than the good word tells us of? Nay, I think not. There can be no greater. Then let us look up and strive to cast away from us all things that would bind us down to earth, and have our minds placed on things above, which are pure, which are heavenly and eternal.

GIDEON G. DUNHAM

Otter Creek, Mich.