Untitled article by R. Maria Johnson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, July 16, 1867

From Sister Johnson.

By R. Maria Johnson

BRETHREN AND SISTERS: My face is still set for glory. I still love God and his dear Son. I love the Review and the pure Bible doctrines taught by it. It is almost eleven years since I commenced to observe the seventh-day as the Sabbath, and yet I believe I now greet the return of this sweet day of rest with greater delight than ever before.

I praise God for the light of present truth which shines forth from the sacred page and the prophetic chart. I rejoice also in the light of Health Reform. Although I am still suffering from chronic diseases, I firmly believe it has, under the blessing of God who in compassion hath given us this glorious light, saved me from going down into the grave and leaving my four little ones behind to be taken in the snares of the evil one. Yes, although many times bordering upon the grave I am still spared to them, and am trying to realize more fully what a solemn and fearful responsibility rests upon me to bring them up in the fear of the Lord, especially while their dear father remains undecided with regard to the Sabbath and kindred truths. Often in the anguish of my soul I cry out, How long, O Lord, must I and my little ones tread this thorny path alone! Often as disease presses upon me, together with the cares of this life and the trials of the way, darkness gathers about me and I feel almost discouraged, and seem in danger of losing sight of the prize. But as I begin in agony to ask, Can I give up? help from on high seems to be sent, and I am enabled to look away to the sanctuary; and as I catch a glimpse of our Saviour who is still ministering there I answer, Oh! no, I can never give up the struggle while he still pleads and mercy still lingers for me.

Last April I bade a long adieu to the dear lone ones of Hancock Co., Ohio, expecting never more to meet them again this side of the land of rest where parting is no more. I brought a letter with me but do not know when I shall be permitted to meet with the people of God. Still as we have not yet bought a home here I trust our lot will be cast where I can take my children to the house of God upon his holy Sabbath, a privilege which we have seldom enjoyed, as we lived some distance from the place of meetings.

With a heart beating in unison with the people of God, and craving an interest in their prayers, hoping to meet you all when our Deliverer comes, I am your sister in Christ.

R. MARIA JOHNSON.

Marshall Co., Ind.