Hope Through Trials and Persecution
By Ellen E. Walsworth
Bro. White: I feel to praise God for the hope of the soon coming of our dear Saviour, although it will be through trials and persecutions that we must be purified and made ready to meet him. I believe that I can by the assisting grace of God, endure them all, and at last come off conqueror through him who hath loved us. Never did the truths of the "third angel's message," seem more precious to me than now. Oh that our daily lives might show that their sanctifying influence is working upon our heart and fitting us up for eternal life. Oh let us be more in earnest in this great work of preparation, and let our light so shine before our unconverted friends, that they may see our good works and be led to glorify our Father which is in Heaven. While listening to a discourse from Bro. Whitney, upon the Christian's hope, my heart was made to rejoice with the thought, that ere long our hopes would be realized, and we should be forever saved in the kingdom of God. Oh, glorious thought! With what rapture I look forward to the time when we shall receive our crowns, and those pearly gates will be swung open for the redeemed who have kept the law, to enter in and enjoy the glories of that blissful land. Press on, weary one, be not discouraged with the trials of life, but remember that it is through trials, and through much tribulation we shall enter the kingdom of God. Says Paul, "For our light affliction which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more, exceeding, and eternal weight of glory." Oh, what glory that must be. "A far more exceeding glory" would not express Paul's mind upon it; but it was an "eternal weight of glory, which would last forever." So with this hope before us, let us go on trusting in God, and he will commission holy angels to enfold us in their embrace, thus shielding us from the world. And when the waves of sorrow have gone over us, and the bitter cup is placed to our lips, with what tenderness and love will they whisper to us of "Brighter realms above where we will be "Free from all sorrow
> Temptation and care,
> In the kingdom of Jesus—
> I long to be there."
ELLEN E. WALSWORTH.
Adams' Center, N. Y.