Holding Fast to the Blessed Hope
By Seth Newton
DEAR BRO. WHITE: As I am always glad to hear from the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, I feel called upon to speak and let them know that I am still holding to the blessed hope that Jesus is soon coming to gather the faithful ones home. And my desires are to so live that I may receive the welcome, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you. But when I think how holy and pure we must be when Christ comes, I feel doubtful of being one of those that will be made like Christ, to reign with him. But I know there is worthiness in Jesus. I know he died to save us from all our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, if we are faithful to confess our sins, and to turn ourselves from every evil way. I do not believe with some that we cannot be perfect while here, but when Jesus comes he comes to make us perfect. I believe we must repent of all our sins. I believe we are down near that time of trouble brought to view in Dan. xii, 1, such a time of trouble, it says, as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time; and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that is found written in the book. Brethren and sisters, my prayer is that we may so live that we shall be kept from the hour of temptation brought to view in Rev. iii, 10, which shall come upon all the world to try them that dwell upon the earth. I find that we here in Crane's Grove are not without temptations and trials. I never knew anything comparatively about trials till I came into the present truth, and that has been only about four years. But I feel thankful to God for his goodness in showing me his truth, which I do love, and mean by his assisting grace to live out, though I may meet with trials by the way. I am glad to say that those here that have been cold and backward, and have been in deep trial, are beginning to take hold and live again, and are trying to settle all difficulties, and get into that place where they can claim the blessed promises. I think it is time that all our troubles were settled up, and we standing with our loins girt about with truth, like unto men that wait for the Lord, that when he returns we may be glad and rejoice. Dear brethren and sisters, I hope that God will fit us all up to stand in the time just before us. May the Lord help us to purify ourselves by obeying the truth. I feel that the Spirit of the Lord is calling me to get up higher where I can enjoy more of his pardoning love, and his Spirit that will guide us into all truth, and where I shall be enabled to stand in the time that is just before us. Pray for me, that I may be found without a spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing when Christ comes. Your unworthy brother looking for eternal life when Jesus comes.
SETH NEWTON.
Crane's Grove, Ills.