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LESLIE PINKERTON

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 14, 1863

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 22, No. 7.

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LESLIE PINKERTON

By Leslie Pinkerton

From Bro. Pinkerton.

Bro. White: It is with feelings of gratitude to an overruling Providence that I testify of the goodness of God toward me, his unworthy servant.
Through his lovingkindness I have been permitted to exchange my lonely situation for one where I am permitted to meet with the remnant people of God from Sabbath to Sabbath, and enjoy the privileges of their society; and my heart has been made to rejoice many times in view of the precious privileges which I am permitted to enjoy. The privilege of meeting with brethren and sisters in the bonds of Christian love and union is a great and precious privilege to me. I love the people of God far more than earthly relatives, and I would rather sacrifice all earthly ties, than to be deprived of the love and fellowship of those who are trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
I believe that time is short, and trouble such as the world never saw, is just upon us. Satan is stirring up the nations; and they are preparing for war. Soon probation will close, and all restraint will be taken away, and man will be left a prey to the evil angels; and there will be famine in the land; and pestilence and the sword will sweep the earth with the besom of destruction. The dead and dying will be all around us, and men will call upon the name of God only in blasphemy. These will be fearful and troublous times, such as never were since there was a nation. Brothers will imbrue their hands in each other's blood, and weeping and mourning will be heard in every house. The way of the transgressor is hard. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Brethren and sisters, how is it with us? Are we all seeking a preparation that we may be hid in the day of the Lord's fierce anger? Are we striving to overcome all our sins, and repenting of them that they may be remembered no more against us? Are we striving to do the whole will of God, regardless of self, careless of what friends or relatives may say to discourage us? Are we, like Moses, willing to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season? These are dark and gloomy times for the Christian. Fiery trials encompass us on every hand. Soon we shall be called upon to face the storms of persecution. The image of the beast will soon be set up, and, as it was in the days of Nebuchadnezzar, we shall be called upon to fall down and worship it. How many of us will be enabled to endure this trial of our faith, and receive the mark of God, instead of the mark of the beast.
Brethren and sisters, let us get on the whole armor of righteousness, and fight manfully the battles of our blessed Lord. Let us not waste a moment of time in tasting forbidden pleasures. We have a great and mighty work to perform, and but little time allotted for its accomplishment. The night is far spent, and the morning star has arisen, and the Sun of righteousness will soon arise with healing in his beams, for those who love his appearing.
That we may all be enabled to say, Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us, is the prayer of your unworthy brother in Christ.

LESLIE PINKERTON

Lisbon, Iowa.