A Year Keeping the Sabbath
By A. L. Curl
Bro. A. L. Curl writes from Keokuk Co., Iowa: I want to be remembered in the prayers of the saints, and also I want them that tremble at God's word, and delight in the cross of Christ, to know that I sympathize with and pray for them. It has been a little over a year since I, with a few others in this community, commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and embraced generally the truths of the third angel's message. I was then convicted that this was the faith of Jesus, and a year's experience, reading and meditation, has only tended to confirm that conviction. We meet with some opposition, some scoffs and jeers, &c., but these things do not trouble me; for we must expect such things, but my own sins seem more obstinate than ever before, and often remind me of the apostle's words, Rom. 7: 15, 18: "For that which I do, I allow not; for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. For to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good, I find not." It is certainly the highest attainment for mortals in this life to overcome all sin, and realize that the divine approbation and blessing of Heaven rest upon, and attend all, their efforts. But we can enjoy this if we are thoroughly converted to God, and led by the Spirit. Self must be crucified with its affections and lusts. I want to be among the overcomers. Most of the little company here continue faithful, and manifest earnest desires to see the King in his beauty, and stand with the saints on Mount Zion, while a few seem to have grown cold and undutiful, neglecting the assembling of themselves with the church. This causes the faithful ones to feel sad, but we must pray for them, and labor with them as we may find an opportunity. Pray for us, that we may daily be awake to righteousness and patient continuance in well doing, and finally enter in through the gates into the city.