Testimonies on Conversion and Health Reform
Bro. B. F. Bradbury writes from Green Lake Co., Wis.: It has been some over two years since I commenced to keep the commandments of God, and I can say that my heart now beats in unison with God's remnant people that are keeping his commandments and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. I often feel my unworthiness and wonder that the Lord has been so good as to call after me; but since he has shown me the right path, I am determined, through his assisting grace, and the prayers of his dear children, which I hope to have, to walk in that straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life. How important it is that we examine our hearts in these perilous times, to see whether we are in the faith. I feel thankful for the light that is being given on the Health Question. I believe it is timely. There seems to be a great work to do in this direction to prepare a people for the coming of the Saviour. I believe the Lord has a hand in this work. I feel the importance of living out these great principles, that I may not be cut down by the destroying angel. May the Lord help us all to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. Sister J. McDowell writes from Hebron: We are alone in this place, and the people look upon us as being very peculiar; but we are trying to let our light shine by keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and we want to live in such a way that when Christ comes we shall be found without spot and blameless. Sister M. H. Collins writes from Dartmouth, Mass.: The harvest is great, but the laborers are few, and many need to hear the word preached, to strengthen, confirm, and encourage them to press their way through the deep waters of affliction and trial that are in these times of peril and danger, when every evil that the enemy can devise is abroad in the land to draw away from the truth and to deceive, if possible, the very elect. But there is One that is strong, and in His strength his people can prevail. His promises are sure. It is blessed to know these things, and more so to do and obey all the requirements of Him who has thus promised that at last we may inherit the reward offered by Him who said, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Sister E. J. Eastman writes from Poy Sippi, Wis.: I feel to praise the Lord for the light which has come forth on the subject of correct living. I would not be induced to return to my former habits again. I enjoy such health as I never did in my life before. When I compare my present health with what it was ten years142since, I feel that I have the greatest of reasons to praise God. Then I was brought to the borders of the grave with consumption, but the Lord raised me up in answer to prayer; and as I have endeavored to follow his teachings he has blessed me more than all my anticipations. I can now look forward with bright expectation of living to see my dear Saviour who has done so much for me, coming in the clouds of heaven, to gather his elect from one end of heaven to the other, and to awake those that are sleeping in the dust of the earth. Then I expect to behold those dear ones that are asleep in Jesus, raised to immortality and eternal life, and “we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” and caught up together to meet the Lord in the air, “and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” Oh! blessed hope! Oh! cheering thought! as we are called to lay our friends away in the cold and silent grave, that those loved ones shall be brought again from the land of the enemy. Amid the trials and cares of this life my heart is cheered with the thought that we are not always to live where so much iniquity abounds. Truly we are living in perilous times, and I have great fears for the children of this generation. May they be kept from the tempter's cruel power. The Lord is merciful to us and has verified his promise to us in this place. He has heard the prayers and cries of his people, and has revived his work among us. I never saw the work of God prosper and his power manifested as it has been here for a few weeks past. Truly the Lord is a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God. Sister D. B. Welch writes from Portageville, N. Y.: Myself and companion are still trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The Review is the only preaching we have. It comforts and cheers us lonely ones. I never have heard a Sabbath-keeper preach, and have not yet even seen one. I believe there are many that would embrace the truth if some brother could hold some meetings in this section. I was willingly blind for some time, but now I am striving to overcome and gain the everlasting kingdom.