p. 322 | Untitled article by Eliza Van Giesen

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 5, 1867

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 21

A WORD TO THE SISTERS.

By Eliza Van Giesen

DEAR SISTERS IN CHRIST: I love to read your cheering testimonies in the Review. It encourages me to press my way on toward the kingdom of God. I feel thankful for the light of present truth; and as I believe the health and dress Reforms are a part of it, I am trying to live up to them as well as I can. But I must say that I feel sad sometimes; not on account of wearing the reform dress; but when I go among a company of Adventists, of perhaps twenty or more, and find not a reformed dress among them, and then hear what to me seem their insufficient excuses for it. It would be encouraging to me and others, and I believe it would be the best way for all to come out with the reform dress together. It would do away prejudice, and soonest stop talk among opposers; in a great measure very soon. And then we should know one another here when we meet; but now I can scarcely tell some professed Adventists from the world. Sisters, do you think God's eye is upon you? Do you read in his word the many admonitions to be separate from the world? In the language of Paul, I would say, Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Let us improve the time that is mercifully given to us, and walk in the light while we have the light, lest darkness come upon us, and it be said of us, Let them alone.

I feel that I have a great deal to do to get perfect in the sight of God. I am trying every day to live nearer to God, and watching with deep interest every advance step of the reform; and heartily do I wish it God speed; for reform is what we need in all our ways—our living, our dress, and our conversation, that our light may shine. Scoffing will not hurt us. And think it not strange concerning our fiery trials; for when we are tried we shall receive a crown of life. If we lack wisdom, let us ask of God, who giveth liberally and upbraideth not. If we lack faith, let us ask the Lord, as the disciples of old did, to increase our faith. If we want to enjoy the smiles of our Saviour, let us live for it. Our trials here are but for a moment. They will soon be over. Soon we shall see the King in his beauty descending; and may we all then be able to say, Lo this is our God, we have waited for him, and he will save us.

Pray for me, that I may endure until I shall stand with those that shall hear the welcome, Well done.

Yours, striving for a home in Heaven.

ELIZA VAN GIESEN.

Tuscola Co., Mich.