ELIZA I. CONNET by Eliza I. Connet.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 23, 1868

ELIZA I. CONNET

By Eliza I. Connet.

From Sister Connet.

DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: It is with fear and trembling that I take up my pen to write. When I read from time to time the touching and affectionate letters in the REVIEW from those that I never saw, and especially the lonely ones, there is something within that prompts me to try and say something for the encouragement of others that are like myself—that have no earthly friend to go to for counsel, as we journey on through this wilderness world, striving to gain an entrance into that goodly land promised to all those that are faithful in keeping all of God's commandments.

It is over a year since I commenced to keep the true Sabbath of the Lord. I have never felt like giving it up; I love it more and more. Oh! how it pains me to hear those around me mock and reproach God's holy law, and despise the truth. I feel to cry out, How long, O Lord, how long wilt thou permit these things to be? My heart often feels sad and grieved at the coldness that I meet with from my nearest kin; but when I think of Jesus' being my friend if I am faithful until he comes, that disperses all my gloom and I feel to take fresh courage. Oh! how sweet the thought to all those that love his appearing, that are patiently waiting and watching for him, the great King of kings who will soon return to gather home his children. Oh! blessed hope. I often ask myself the question, Do I love his appearing? Would I rejoice to see him coming? Sometimes I fear and tremble lest my name shall not be found in the book of life when he comes. Dear friends, pray for me, one of the weakest and unworthiest of the unworthy, that I may be found sealed with the seal of God's everlasting covenant when the destroying angel goes forth to pour out the vials of wrath without mixture. Oh! that the Lord would help me to come while the True Witness is counseling me to buy gold tried in the fire and white raiment, that I may have on that robe of righteousness that will be acceptable in the great day of the marriage feast, and eye-salve that I may see myself aright, and humble myself, take up my cross and follow my blessed Master through evil report as well as good report. Oh! for more of a cross-bearing and self-denying spirit, that I may be willing to do anything and bear all things for the sake of him who has done so much for me, and is still pleading with the Father for all those that come to him through the merits of his atoning blood. Solemn thought! when we think that the hour of his judgment is come; that Jesus our great High Priest is now deciding the cases of all those that seek him, and obey all God's commandments. Oh Lord, help me to be faithful!

Your unworthy sister, in hope of eternal life.

ELIZA I. CONNET

Richland Co., Ill.