Sister Hale’s Testimony
By Anna H. Hale
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I love to see the names of those I love in the Letter Department of our dear REVIEW, and wish this one, and that one, would write for the paper; perhaps some one has thought the same about me; to them I would say, I will try to do my duty now, then please let us hear from you. I think much of what Bro. Jos. Clarke has said about writing for the REVIEW, but do not feel worthy or competent to write for it. I have been longing to reach that point, where, having a daily experience in the things of God, I could write that which would be profitable and encouraging. I am not satisfied with what I can write now, but know that my “one talent” will not increase while lying hid in a napkin, so I will try to use it, lest the Master should say when he cometh, “Thou foolish and unprofitable servant.” It is three years ago this month that I heard the third angel’s message in the tent at Norridgewock, Maine, and since that time I have not ceased to thank the Lord for sending me there to hear it, and giving me a heart to receive and obey it. I loved the truths upon which we build our “precious faith,” and our “glorious hope,” as they were unfolded to my mind then. I love them now with all my heart; they were food upon which my soul feasted and was refreshed; they seem like precious treasures, and I count them over and over, as a miser counts his gold, and nothing that the world can give would I exchange for these. Satan has tried to harass and perplex me, that I might lose my hold upon them, but, thank God, he has not succeeded. I have been trying to live out my faith alone, these years, only occasionally meeting with those of like precious faith. These seasons are bright spots in my life, around which memory loves to linger, filling my lonely hours with thoughts of those who love and pray for me. I have felt of late a very strong desire to be with the people of God, where I could see and hear more of the work of God; where I could grow more rapidly in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; but if God wills that I should hold up my little rush light here still longer, I will try to be patient. It is a good place to learn patience, a lesson I need very much to learn. Perhaps when I have learned it well, he will give me a more pleasing task. I feel that there is need of making haste, and being more diligent in the work of overcoming. There are souls all around me, who have never heard the last message of mercy to this perishing world. Who is going to warn them of the coming storm? Pray that I may be able to live so as not to be a stumbling-block in the way of the truth when it comes to them. I would say to the lonely ones, Be strong, for the Lord is with you. Let us make sure work for the kingdom, and we will meet with all the dear ones on that great thanksgiving day, when all sorrow and sighing shall forever flee away. Affectionately your sister, Worcester Co., Mass., Aug. 8, 1868.