Untitled article by Harriet J. Wescott.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 3, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 12

From Sister Wescott.

By Harriet J. Wescott.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have felt for some time as though my experience in the past might be a source of encouragement to some poor pilgrim, traveling the narrow pathway to Mt. Zion, but I have hesitated and waited, fearing that I could not write as well as some one else, but have come to the conclusion that I must work out my salvation with fear and trembling. And then there is another obstacle, the fear of man. I am among relatives who despise me, because I tell them I believe we are living in the last days, and I felt afraid it might meet their eyes, as they sometimes take up the paper to read. But I truly desire to give God the glory for what he has done for me and mine.

I set out to serve Him nearly six years ago, under very discouraging circumstances, my companion being very much opposed to the unpopular doctrine of the third angel's message, but I determined to seek the Lord with my whole heart, and I found peace in believing and obeying him, by keeping all his commandments.

Soon after this my husband enlisted, which was contrary to my faith, and very much against my wishes, as I did not think he could stand the hardships of camp life. His health soon began to fail, and sometimes his life was in danger. I went to the Great Physician, and begged and implored him to spare his life until he should turn from his wicked ways, and seek an interest in Christ. I never ceased to remember him in my prayers, and he was spared, although he was kept in the service until the war ended. He then returned home, but unchanged in his sentiments. I still held on to the promises by faith: “I will not let thee go except thou bless.”

Last spring, to my unspeakable joy, he commenced to keep the Sabbath, and would occasionally read the Review. His health still continued to fail, and we were finally convinced that he had the consumption. I had frequently in my urgent requests to the Lord to convert my husband to the truth, promised that let what would come, life or death, I would not murmur nor complain; but it was a trying time for me. We resorted to medicine without avail, and finally went to the Institute at Battle Creek, but to my great grief, Drs. Lay and Russell told us he was past help. This was my last hope in this world, but he was calm and resigned, and said if it was the Lord's will he should not complain.

I began to pray in earnest now, and the Lord began to work. From this time he seemed ripening for Heaven. He never complained once in all his sickness. He often said, “Oh! if I had only started to serve the Lord when you did.” Said he, “The worst thing I have ever done, was opposing you; go on and serve the Lord while you live. Oh! if I only knew that my little son would be a good boy, and obey his mother.” Such were his expressions. He was often heard praying for patience to endure his sickness. He felt that the Lord sustained him.

He loved the truths we hold as a people, and fully believed in the unconscious state of the dead. I desired the Lord to give my unbelieving friends, and all, an evidence that he was prepared for a part in the first resurrection. I was satisfied.

While death's chilly hands were upon him he often smiled, and turning his head to one of the neighbors, he said, “I can almost see Jesus.” This he repeated twice. Said he heard music. He then said to his son, “Remember you have got to die.” These were his last words. He made signs for me to kiss him, which he returned, and calmly fell asleep in Jesus.

I feel his loss, but I mourn for myself and child, who are yet in the land of the living. I give God the glory, for he has more than fulfilled the promise. Blessed Jesus who has taken away the sting of death! Pray for us, that we may escape the wrath to come.

Yours in hope. HARRIET J. WESCOTT. Livingston Co., N. Y.