“‘We are commanded to be sober, and hope to the end for that grace which is to be brought unto us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Our disappointment, as to the time, should have no effect on our hope. We know that Christ has not yet been revealed, and the object of our hope is yet in the future. Therefore, if we believe in God’s word, as we profess, we ought to be thankful for the trial of our faith. “‘We shall not have to wait long for the glorious appearing of Christ. Therefore, let us lift up our heads and rejoice, knowing that our redemption draweth nigh. We regret to see any impatience manifested among the friends of Jesus. God is now trying our graces. How solemn the thought that any should lose the crown when near the goal! Let us arise, shake off our dullness, redouble our diligence, let all the world know there is such a grace as Christian perseverance, and let all see that we are truly seeking a better country. Can it be possible, after we have run well for a season, loved the appearing of Jesus, come to a time when we must expect him, and should be ready to cast ourselves into his arms, that we shall go back, or again strike hands with a thoughtless world? May God forbid! Let us then go forward. It is death to go back; to go forward can be no more. “‘We are pained to see a disposition to murmur against those who have been pioneers in the war—who have sacrificed all earthly considerations to support a truth so unpopular as the second advent and personal reign of Jesus Christ. “‘Brethren, shun such as cause divisions among very friends. Remember the admonition of James: “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold, the Judge standeth at the door.” We see, by this rule, that when a brother loses his fellowship for the saints, he is certainly in darkness. We must be careful not to follow what he may term “light.” Love for brethren is a test of our interest in Christ, without which all gifts and works are like sounding brass, and a tinkling cymbal. Let us cultivate, with peculiar care, this loveliest of all Christian graces, and frown on the man who attempts to cause division. “Offenses must needs come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!” What can we say more, to stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance?