Untitled article by D. D. Haines

Untitled article

D. D. Haines

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · December 17, 1867

From Bro. Haines.

BRO. SMITH: I wish to give my testimony in the Review for the comfort and encouragement of the saints. It often seems to me when reading the testimonies from different ones, that they receive, even while writing, a special blessing from God for the efforts they make to cheer and encourage the disciples of Jesus. Blessed above all others is that people whom the Lord has chosen for his inheritance, and though at times our path may seem to be overshadowed, and we be like men walking in thick clouds, yet the promise is that He will be our hope and shield, and help according as we hope in Him and live up to the light of the truth of the third angel's message.

Although I do regret many past errors and wrongs, and mourn over my great unfaithfulness, yet I am trying to do the will of my Heavenly Father, and am still encouraged to press on because of the exceeding great and precious promises, both for time and eternity, which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus, to those that believe. Indeed, the Lord is not slack concerning his promises, as we fully prove when by heartfelt obedience and faithfulness we fulfill the conditions upon which they are given. There is no rock like our Rock; he is a sun and a shield, and will give grace and glory, and no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

I have been a reader of the Review for over three years. I would express my thankfulness that I have been made acquainted with the precious truths it advocates. It comes laden with meat in due season. I acknowledge the wisdom granted the church through the gifts of the Spirit as vastly superior to the private judgment of individuals. I rejoice that wrongs can be corrected and put away. There is a yielding to straight testimony among our people at this time more readily than formerly; this is a token that many will overcome.

I love and have confidence in the leaders of this great work, that have been chosen to proclaim the precious truths of the third angel's message, and may God send forth more to labor for the salvation of precious souls, that the honest-hearted may all be brought to the fold of Christ.

I pray that those who have the care of conducting the Review and preaching God's word, may have grace and strength to do the will of God.

Your brother in the Lord,

D. D. HAINES.

Haverhill, Mass.