A Testimony for Present Truth
BRO. SMITH: Often while reading the cheering testimonies from the dear brethren and sisters, I have felt that it would be a privilege, and perhaps a duty to cast in my mite in favor of this glorious, yet solemn truth. I am thankful that I have the privilege of numbering myself with the little company who are keeping the commandments of God, and obeying the testimonies of Jesus Christ. Oh, how good the Lord is in bestowing such glorious light upon his sacred word through which we may be enabled to perfectly understand our relation to God, and our duty to ourselves. Truly God is working for this people, not only through prophecy and spiritual gifts, but the Health Reform; all of which I freely and gladly endorse. May the Lord help me that I may cleanse myself from all impurities of the flesh and spirit, that I may be fully prepared for my Master’s use, and finally dwell in his heavenly kingdom.
ELLA C. ROGERS.
Dane Co., Wis.22 Bro. D. B. Welch writes from Swainsville, N. Y.: Myself and wife are still encouraged to press our way toward the everlasting kingdom, which we have every reason to believe is nigh, even at the door. We see many evidences that the end of all things is at hand, and are glad we were ever enabled to see the true light that now shineth. Bro. Wm. Cottrell writes from Bowersville, Ohio: We are still striving to overcome. We have many things to contend with, but would rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for the name and cause of our divine Master. We feel very lonely at times, and we think we know how to sympathize with the lonely ones who are scattered in this world of sin. We welcome the paper, our only preacher, and love the cheering testimonies of the brethren and sisters. The God of all comfort is our God. We would still trust in the Lord, and patiently wait for his coming. Bro. Z. Nicola writes from E. Rush, N. Y.: When I read the promises that God made to Abraham, that he would give him the earth made new, and the holy city, the New Jerusalem, its capital, and think that we may, by obedience, become Abraham’s seed, and joint-heirs with him of the same promise, I feel like buckling on the armor anew, and fighting more valiantly the good fight of faith. We have enough before us to encourage us, to sacrifice the pleasures of this world, and get ready to receive our crown, which will soon be given, if we are faithful. We have a truth that stands upon a sure foundation; and as we are drawing near the end of all things, and I realize what we as a people are looking for, I feel like saying in the language of Peter, “What manner of persons ought we to be, in all holy conversation and godliness?” Pray for us lonely ones, that we may be comforted with the hope of the near coming of Jesus, and be ready to stand when he appears. Bro. and sister Wm. V. and M. L. Field write from Anamosa, Iowa: We feel much encouraged to go on in the good way. We have been brought through many severe trials, but thus far we have been delivered, not for any worth or merit in ourselves, but through the mercy of God. To him be all the glory. The Monthly Meetings in this part of the State are proving a great blessing. We see omens of good in the message everywhere. We see in the Health Reform the finger of God, who understands the wants of his people, and is preparing them for translation. We regret that we have not been more faithful in so great and good a work, but feel determined that the heavenly treasure shall be the chief end of life from henceforth. Sister M. A. Neal writes from Osceola, Iowa: I was permitted to meet with the dear brethren and sisters at the Convocation Meeting at Pilot Grove. It was the best meeting I ever attended. The things that I heard there have found a deep place in my heart. The parting scene was indeed a solemn time; but we thought of the time not far distant when all God’s dear children will be gathered home to the beloved city, where parting will be no more. Shall I be there? I mean by the assisting grace of God to meet them there. Our hearts have been cheered by the visit of Bro. Bourdeau to this place. Their preaching was meat in due season; and the result is that one sister has embraced the truth, and is now trying to keep all the commandments. May God bless all his faithful servants, and speed on the glorious proclamation of the third angel, is my sincere prayer. Bro. I. H. Collins writes from Richford, Wis.: I love the truths advocated by the Review, and am trying by the help of God to live them out. I have lately commenced to live out the Health Reform, and I can say for the encouragement of those who are holding back, that the blessing of God attends me in every advance step which I take in the present truth. I attended the meeting at Rockford, when Bro. Sanborn was there, and received new light on a number of points. It was a feast of good things to me. Bro. Geo. Smith writes from Norwalk, Ohio: Fifteen years ago last April, I embraced the present truth, and have ever since felt to praise the Lord for the light on the holy Sabbath, and its kindred truths. The Sabbath is a delight to me. It is the holy of the Lord, and honorable; and it will stand fast forever and ever. Praise God. How merciful the Lord is in bringing out light and truth in these last days; to fit up a people to stand in the time of trouble just before us, and to prepare them for his coming and heavenly kingdom. We are very thankful for the labor bestowed upon us in Ohio. And while listening to the able arguments of Bro. Van Horn and Lawrence in the tent at Bellville, last summer, we felt sure that the Lord would bless his precious truth, as he has done, to the good of many souls. May he still bless, and be with his dear servants, and those who have lately started to obey the truth. As a church here, we are grateful for the light on the Health Reform. The remarks of our beloved Bro. Loughborough on the subject while with us last summer, have been very much appreciated. We hope to overcome the world, the flesh and the Devil, and finally stand with the remnant on Mount Zion. The little church in Wakeman is growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. Our Monthly Meetings are interesting and profitable. The light that clusters around the third angel’s message, gives us new life and zeal, and unites us in one. Bro. G. W. Parker writes from Chicago, Ill.: It is with a joyful heart that I write; joyful, because truth has found another heart to abide in; joyful, because I have faith to believe God’s promises to his people, one of which is, grace to help in every time of need. How often I have to look above to gain this strength; and oh, what a joy to know where to look, by the eye of faith, even within the veil. How much more we love Jesus, when we have light from the sanctuary, which shows us his true position. It is then the law becomes as a “mirror of the soul.” How good to have such a law engraven upon our minds. What were once considered slight deviations from morality, now loom up like mountains of iniquity, bringing us often to the throne of grace for pardon and strength. Pray for me that I may ever give honor, and glory to God, for having thus brought me into the light of his truth. Sister M. A. Green writes from Edwards, N. Y.: Several of the writers in the Review seem quite near to me though I have never seen them. It is more than five years since I heard an Adventist preach, except the funeral discourse of my own little boy preached by Bro. S. B. Whitney, several months after his death. We live forty miles from Buck’s Bridge; and when there is an appointment given out for that place it is usually too late when I get the paper for me to attend the meeting. I would esteem it a great blessing and privilege to live where I might attend the meetings from Sabbath to Sabbath. The people here are almost entirely ignorant in regard to the doctrines taught by Seventh-day Adventists; but there are some here who say they would be willing to keep the seventh day if they thought the Lord required it of them. Bro. J. Croffitt writes from Brooklyn, N. Y.: I am fully convinced that the Lord is soon to come and the end is very near. I look with interest to the prophetic periods, but with more interest to the sayings of Jesus Christ. “The wise shall understand, but none of the wicked shall understand.” The wise virgins understand their position, but not so the foolish virgins. “Watch,” is the repeated injunction of the Saviour, “Watch and pray.” Let our lamps be trimmed and burning, our loins girded, and we be ready and waiting, rejoicing in expectation. Praise the Lord. His mercy endures forever. “Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.” Sister M. A. Babcock writes from Spring Grove, Wis.: I believe that we must double our diligence in serving the Lord, or we shall certainly be shaken out. I hope and pray that I may not be one that shall be weighed in the balance and found wanting, but be prepared to receive the welcome, “Come thou blessed of my Father, enter into the joys of thy Lord.” Press on dear brethren and sisters. That glorious prize is not far distant. Soon Jesus will come in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Sister L. H. Winslow writes from Benton Co., Iowa: The Review is all the preacher I have, and I cannot express the joy it brings to me. I am daily striving to live out the precious truths it advocates, and to have my neighbors investigate them. All who have read the paper, say that they think the seventh day is the Sabbath; but as there is no preaching here of that kind it is a hard matter for them to decide what to do. The people seem interested and express an anxiety to hear. If Bro. Bourdeau, or any of our preachers as they travel West, can come to Florence and preach, I think much good might be done. I live one mile south of the R. R. station, near a school-house which is open for Advent preaching. Bro. C. D. Cook writes from Akron, Mich.: Although we have not the privilege of meeting with our dear Brn. and sisters, yet, thank the Lord, we can read their cheering testimonies through the Review, and it helps to cheer and strengthen us on our pilgrimage journey to the land where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. Let us put our whole trust in God, and constantly watch ourselves in all that we do, and see if all is done to his glory; and if we are found watching when he comes, we may look up with joy and say, “Lo, this is our God, we have waited for him and he will save us.” Oh, what a happy meeting that will be, for all who are looking and longing for the appearing of our dear Saviour.