p. 151 | LETTERS by Jacob Ayers

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 7, 1863

LETTERS.

By Jacob Ayers

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."

From Bro. Ayers.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As it is frequently said in the letters published in the Review, that they are edifying and encouraging, having felt them to be so myself, I have deemed it my reasonable duty to try, though unworthy, to add a little to the profitable influence thus exerted. If we humbly and faithfully endeavor to carry out the apostle's injunction to exhort one another and so much the more as we see the day approaching, we shall have the consolation of having tried, at least, to do something for the benefit of our Master's disciples, and as he has told us, that not even a cup of water given to a disciple for his sake shall lose its reward, let us all be encouraged to make a more vigorous effort to do each other all the good we can by our strengthening and hope-inspiring epistles, so that there may be no lack of material for publication.

I was never more thoroughly convicted of the truthfulness of the third angel's message, and the vast importance of being completely sanctified by it, in order to be prepared for the solemn scenes but a little in advance of us. Yet what a strong and fearful evidence there is of the deep and awful degeneracy of our tendencies and impulses, that, notwithstanding these convictions, there is so little realization of them. O let us be deeply humbled in view of this state of things, and led to strive more earnestly to enter in at the strait gate, remembering the solemn warning of our Saviour, that "many will seek to enter in but shall not be able." Dear brethren and sisters, let us ever keep in view the fact that we are actually engaged in running a race for life, even eternal life, and that very much depends upon how we run. In view of this, the apostle says, "So run that ye may obtain." Again, "Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and run with patience the race which is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith."

Truly, the Lord has been very good to me, though so unworthy; graciously giving me at different times some evidence that his holy Spirit has not forsaken me, though I have so often neglected his gentle wooings and admonitions. O how long-suffering is our kind heavenly Father. May his goodness lead us to unfeigned repentance of all our crooked and wrong ways, so that we may enjoy the forgiving mercy of God through Christ. It seems to me that we are living amid the perils of the last days, when it is very needful to cry earnestly to the Lord for help; to not be led into temptation in reference to the unnatural war now scourging our country, and the coming draft which it appears probably will soon be made. The Lord is certainly able to deliver his people in every time of trouble, and has given abundant assurance of his willingness to do so, whenever they seek to him with all the heart. Let us then arise, and exercise vigorous and unwavering faith, and deliverance will surely come in the Lord's own good time and way. O what reason we have to be thankful for a throne of grace unto which we can fly and obtain help in time of need. My heart is stirred with gratitude as I write. May the Lord help me to be very humble so that I may ever enjoy this precious privilege.

Yours striving to be an overcomer.

JACOB AYERS.

Willamsburg, N. Y.