MARY L. PRIEST by Mary L. Priest

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 25, 1868

MARY L. PRIEST

By Mary L. Priest

From Sister Priest.

BRO. SMITH: For a number of weeks I have felt deeply impressed to pen a few lines for the Review, but knowing there were a great many so much better qualified to write for its pages whose names we never see in it, I have remained silent, but now conclude to try to bear my feeble testimony in favor of the truth, believing that the one talent will soon be called for.

I can say that my love for God and his people is increasing, and I desire to be sanctified through the solemn truths we believe. And while the way seems narrowing, I would bear every cross, despising the shame, and try to encourage others to do the same.

I believe, without a doubt, that those that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus, are the people that will have a right to the tree of life, and be permitted to enter the holy city; and I want to be among them. In order to be there, I am satisfied that self must be laid on the altar; and if God calls his people to take as humble a place as Gideon's army, even to lap water, the humble and faithful will obey.

Steps that have been taken by us, as a people, are humiliating. They separate us from the world. The most trying one to me is the dress reform. My influence was against it for a long time. I can not think any one can really dislike the short dress or shrink from the cross of wearing it more than I have. I have doubted very much whether God would lead us to take such a step. I feared for the result. I could believe the testimony in other respects, but reasoned much about this. Much of the time I have been desponding, mourning over my low state, so little strength to overcome that I greatly feared I should be weighed in the balances and be found wanting at last. In short, I was shorn of my strength. I have really wished I had gone down into the grave ere we had reached these trying points.

But, thank the Lord, he has borne with me, and I live to-day. Pride must be rooted out of our hearts, or we shall find no place in the earth made new. A few months since, I resolved to try it, in the fear of the Lord, and out of a sense of duty, being taught that it was for our health; and the Lord has so blessed me in it, that I have really longed to speak my experience, desiring to use my influence to encourage those that are still halting, to move out, lest they be found stumbling-blocks in the way of the dear youth that the Lord is calling into the ranks. My health has improved constantly. I can perform my labor much easier; and what is still better, I have freedom of spirit, more liberty in prayer, my love and sympathy with the people of God is much increased.

Some may inquire if I think adopting this style of dress has anything to do with it. Yes, I do. I believe there is a blessing for those who walk in the humble path of obedience. Dear sisters, will we be above the work? Shall any sacrifice be too great to make to gain the favor of Heaven? I feel sensibly that it makes us peculiar; but let us be sure to have good works to go with it. I am satisfied that the remnant are coming out from under the rubbish. They will mind the same things, walk by the same rule; and they are going to be purified, made white and tried. Then they will be clear as the sun, fair as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners. It seems to me that these reforms are some of the great stepping-stones to this glorious place. May we be able to overcome and finally meet on the other shore, is the prayer of your unworthy sister.

MARY L. PRIEST

South Lancaster, Mass.