Untitled article by Persis M. Keith

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · February 11, 1868

From Sister Keith.

By Persis M. Keith

Bro. Smith: My companion and myself have been firm believers in the doctrine of the second Advent of our dear Saviour, since 1843, but it is only since last June that we have observed the true Sabbath. We had always been taught to keep the first day of the week; but since the Lord has opened our eyes, the Bible has become a new book to us, and every thing is so plain, that it seems impossible for any one to err in reading it that has common understanding. Our friends and neighbors, especially the church members, are all turned against us. They will not read our papers nor our books. Oh! that their eyes may be opened before it is forever too late. It would be a great consolation to us to have some of the ministers come to this little out of the way place, called Branch, three miles from Coldwater city, where we live. Although we are of the poor of this world we would be willing to divide with any good Seventh-day Adventist preacher that would preach present truth with power, and wake benighted souls in this place. We are living in a time when sin and wickedness abound, and the love of many is waxing cold. Oh! for an outpouring of the Spirit of God.

As for me and mine, we are determined, with divine assistance, to serve and love God; for he first loved us. We are trying to keep his commandments, and to overcome all evil with good, that we may, with the dear saints of God, have right to the tree of life.

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds to me. I want to see Jesus, yet when I think of meeting him, how unworthy I feel. But I know he is my friend, and that he has suffered and died on the cross to redeem such unworthy rebels as we are. Hence we feel to put our trust in him. He says, Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out. What a precious promise! Some kind friend has sent us the Review and Sabbath Herald free for over six months. He has our thanks, whoever it may be. We would not receive it so, if my companion or myself were able to work, but he being 85 years of age, and myself 72, we cannot do much. We are alone here, so far as our faith is concerned. There is not another Sabbath-keeper nor Second Adventist that we know of nearer than Burlington. We never heard an Adventist preach, nor went to one of their meetings; but we love the Review. We should feel very lonely without it. We love to read the good sermons and exhortations, and the testimonies of the brethren and sisters. Although they are now strangers to us we shall know each other in Heaven. We are trying to live the health reform and have succeeded in part.

We should be very glad to have the Review continued.

PERSIS M. KEITH.

Branch Co., Mich.