Encouragement from Believers’ Testimonies
By Wm. Penniman
BRO. SMITH: I have often been cheered and encouraged by reading in the Review the testimonies of the scattered ones. We all have a work to accomplish, and an enemy who would triumph over us. We must gain the victory, or lose the crown of glory which is the reward of the faithful. We are told to “bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” Often has my burden been made lighter, my determinations stronger, and hope of eternal life more firm, when I have listened to the testimonies and exhortations of the people of God. I am thankful for the Review, and am glad it is to be enlarged. It is just what the remnant need in these last days. I like it because it enables me to understand more clearly the great truths of the Bible. It is over two years and a half since I first listened to the proclamation of present truth. From the very fact that the church to which I belonged professed to take the Bible for her guide, and yet closed her doors against its plain teachings (prohibiting Bro. Waggoner from finishing his course of lectures), my eyes were opened to see the corruption of “fallen Babylon,” and I resolved to come out of her that I be not partakers of her sins, and receive not of her plagues. I have never regretted that I took a stand for the truth, but only regret that I do not better live it out. Beloved fellow-pilgrims, remember me in your prayers, that I may have that faith that works by love, that purifies the heart, and overcomes the world, and that I may watch for the coming of the Lord, and with you rejoice in his salvation. Yours striving for the kingdom. WM. PENNIMAN.
*N. Bloomfield, O. Nov. 1866.