L. C. TOLHURST by L. C. Tolhurst

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 27, 1866

L. C. TOLHURST

By L. C. Tolhurst

From Sister Tolhurst.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Having read "Our Late Experience," by sister White, my mind has been humbled before God in a manner I never experienced in past time. The last eight years that I have been trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, light upon the truths of the third angel's message has filled my mind, without any doubts to trouble or perplex. As I reflect upon the goodness of God in granting me the light so clear, beautiful, and full of comfort, and remember how unworthy and unfaithful my life has been, I am led to humble myself before God and cry, Unclean! unclean! Lord, be merciful to me a sinner!

I can say that in times of trouble and affliction, when I have desired anything of the Lord, I have not manifested earnestness enough. My prayers have not been often enough repeated, nor marked with importunity that would bring down the blessing desired. Now before God, and the brethren and sisters, I feel to acknowledge my short-comings in this respect, realizing that God is willing to bestow anything upon his children that will be for their good, in his own good time. If the blessing tarries, we are to wait for it, not ceasing to implore the same of our heavenly Father at all times, knowing that if our importunity cease, it may hinder the blessing.

This Experience has been to me meat in due season. May I profit thereby, and from this time forward consecrate myself anew to God. The great desire of my life is that my family may join me in keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Dear brethren and sisters, pray for me that I may live for it, be earnest and frequent at the feet of Jesus, and there drink richly of the Spirit of God, which he is willing and waiting to bestow upon all his people when they are in a position to receive it.

Having been one of the lonely ones most of the time while keeping the Sabbath, I have waited the weekly visits of the Review with impatience. They do me good. I drink their spirit, and feel refreshed, comforted, and encouraged to go on, ever sympathizing with, and loving Bro. and sister White, because they are the servants of the Most High God, feeling willing to receive the precious counsel given to us through the Gifts. My unfaithfulness will not hinder. God will carry on this glorious work. Let us arise and gird unto ourselves the whole armor, for the great and trying time before us. Jesus will help us, and ere long enable us to shout victory over the beast and his image, then the crown of life to wear, and reign kings and priests unto our God.

Your unworthy sister.

L. C. TOLHURST

Cleveland, Ohio.