J. H. CURTIS by J. H. Curtis

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 22, 1862

J. H. CURTIS

By J. H. Curtis

From Bro. Curtis.

BRO. WHITE: Permit me once more to give in my testimony in behalf of the cause I so much love, and while doing so I would express regret for my backwardness in the cause of Christ. Since I first embraced the third angel's message I have stumbled in many ways; but the brethren have been patient with me, and by their kind reproof I have been led to see the error of my ways, and to turn my feet into the Lord's testimonies. I have been slow to learn, too apt to reject truth before investigating the matter. I have been skeptical in regard to spiritual gifts; but when I heard sister White's exhortation last Summer at Buck's Bridge, I began to get my eyes open to the truth, and thanks be to God! I now see the beauty of the doctrine of the gifts of the Spirit.

I would say to the brethren, that wherein I have erred I am heartily sorry. I ask the forgiveness of all, hoping I shall ever give heed to the kind admonitions of those more advanced in the message, and of those older in experience than myself.

I would say to all that I am yet striving to overcome all wrong and prepare for translation. I want to be one of the number that shall have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God. I want to be one of those that shall live out the commandments before the world, that others may see the beauty of keeping God's holy law, and having the faith of Jesus. I know that it is through much tribulation that we are to enter into the kingdom, and that we must bear the scoffs of the world, and endure hardness as good soldiers if we would win the crown. But in all trials we have the promise given by our Lord himself—"Fear not little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Truly this promise is a consolation to the Christian while on his pilgrimage through this world of sorrow, pain, misery, war, bloodshed, sin, wickedness, trials, and tribulation. But through all these we must pass with our eye fixed on that star, turning neither to the right or left, but having our motto ever upward and onward, until we finally overcome and sit down with our Redeemer on his throne, even as he has overcome and is set down with his Father on his throne.

“Christian, the warfare soon will be o’er, Oh, do not fear, do not fear.”

Soon Jesus will come. Yes, the same Jesus who went away, the same one that made the great sacrifice, the same that now ministers in the Sanctuary, that same Jesus who is now finishing up the last work, will soon be here, as he promised when he went away. 'Tis a glorious hope. O may we all overcome, and sit down at his right hand, is my prayer.

Yours in hope,

J. H. CURTIS

North Stockholm, N. Y.