p. 59 | Untitled article by M. P. STILES

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · January 7, 1868

From Sister Stiles.

By M. P. STILES

BRO. SMITH: Although I read the paper to my parents, and can have theirs when I want it, I do not feel satisfied any more than if I were to depend on some one else for a Bible to read. I must have it all my own, to send to absent friends, or to re-peruse, that my heart may receive a new baptism of love as it does every time I read the letters and exhortations from the brethren and sisters. How highly do I appreciate it, and how deeply do I feel its holy, sanctifying influence. Thank God for the Publishing Association. It feeds us with the bread of life, shows us our faults, tells us how to correct and overcome them, exhorts and entreats us to faithfulness, and warns us of the speedy execution of God's wrath on the children of disobedience. But let us not for a moment forget that we must all have for ourselves a living experience in the things of God; that the consecration of this brother, or that sister, will no further benefit us than it causes us to examine well our own hearts and ascertain, as far as possible, how high we stand in the favor of the Lord.

Another year is sealed in eternity, and by a merciful God are we permitted to enter upon 1868. I do most earnestly desire on this New Year, which may be the last my eyes will ever see, to covenant anew with my Maker for stronger determination to forget the things which are behind, to press forward and gird myself anew for the conflict, devoting every energy of my being to securing my own soul's salvation, and that of others, and of glorifying God in my body and spirit, giving him all praise and honor that he has kept me and mine in the past years, and now gives me an opportunity, just before probation closes, of accepting Jesus' offered mercy, and purifying myself for his coming.

But oh! when the subtle enemy slyly throws his dark mantle like a pall about me, so imperceptibly, that the first warning is to find myself withdrawing from God and his people, how dreadful is the awakening; and how do I long to grasp every cross, that circumstances will permit, and everything that will bring me nearer to Jesus. The heaviest cross seems as feathers compared with an encounter with the Devil. Oh! for a closer walk with God, that I may hide under his wing where nothing satanic can ever come.

How long must we stay in this dark world? Not much longer; for Jesus is pitiful and full of tender mercies, and a quick work will he make on the earth. Pray for me, dear brethren and sisters; for I deeply feel the need of your prayers, that I may be an humble lamb in Christ's fold, that when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, I may be gathered with you all and receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

I would say if any messenger could come here, that the cars now run to this place, and my husband has a hall which would be open for meetings.

M. P. STILES Cedar Springs, Mich.