Embracing the Present Truth
By Polly Holmes
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: One year ago this present week, it was my privilege for the first time to attend a Seventh-day Adventist meeting in Springfield, Mass. Their members were few, but the Spirit of the Lord was with them. It was made a great blessing to me. I continued attending their meetings while I remained in the place, which was nearly two months. In the meantime the Lord in great mercy opened my eyes to see the light of present truth, and gave me a willing heart to receive it. They had no regular preaching. Bro. Daniels was with them two Sabbaths. May the Lord bless the little company of Sabbath-keepers in Springfield. They were the means, through the blessing of God, of bringing me out to embrace the glorious truths of the third angel's message. Praise the Lord! I am now rejoicing in the truth. I am one of the lone ones. There is not one of like faith in the place, that I know of, but I am trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I meet with much opposition, have many trials to pass through, even the fiery; and I sometimes feel to thank God for them; for “Trials make the promise sweet,
Trials give new life to prayer;
Bring me to the Saviour's feet,
Lay me low, and keep me there.” I want to be pure and holy. I want to be a meek and humble follower of my blessed Saviour. I want to lie low at his feet and learn of him. It seems to be the most suitable place for me, I am so weak and unworthy, so helpless and dependent. I cannot take one step without him. But thanks be to his name, in his strength I can do all things. I long to see him; I love his appearing. Oh, that I may be ready and waiting his coming! I thank the Lord for what he has done for me. I am poor in this world's goods, but hope and pray that I may be rich in faith and an heir of the kingdom. I have but a few S. D. A. publications, but through the kindness of a good sister I have the Review. The last three Testimonies for the church have been sent me by some kind friends, for which they have my heart-felt thanks. I thank God for the visions; they are what we need at this time. I thank him for the health reform; am trying to live it out as far as circumstances will permit. I feel unworthy a name and place with the Advent people, but I am determined to go through with you to the kingdom. Pray for me that I may endure unto the end. POLLY HOLMES.
Berkshire Co., Mass.