p. 27 | MAGGIE A. NEWMAN by Maggie A. Newman

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 30, 1868

MAGGIE A. NEWMAN

By Maggie A. Newman

From Sr. Newman.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It is nearly four years since the light of present truth shone on my pathway. I was then a member of the Methodist church, and had been trying to serve the Lord; had, ever since I gave my heart to the Saviour, loved to be in the society of those who truly loved God. Not many did I find, however, who loved to talk of Jesus, and the necessary work to be accomplished in our hearts to prepare us for a place in his kingdom. I tried to follow the teachings of God's word as far as I saw its requirements. In many things, I saw I was to be different from the world. At first I thought I would not be obliged to change my dress in the least. I reasoned thus: I never have worn gay clothing, and I dress plainer now than many members of the church; as for the wearing of gold I don't know that I had ever thought anything about its being wrong, until I saw that the word of God did not approve of it, when I quickly laid it aside with some other things which were not becoming for a Christian to wear. For doing this many thought I was very foolish, indeed. Some said that Methodists used to dress plain, but had learned better now, and dressed like other people. Oh! how much I wished I had lived when they were a devoted people—when they were willing to lead self-denying lives, and trying to walk in the footsteps of Jesus; and I hoped the time would come when they would become more as they once were. I thought I would be willing to be numbered with them, even if they were a poor, despised company; and thought I would be willing to bear anything for the sake of Jesus. I had heard of Seventh-day Adventists, for I had a brother in Michigan who had been keeping the Sabbath for several years, and he used to speak of present truth in some of his letters. Once, in particular, he wrote me quite a lengthy letter about these things, and I hardly knew what to say to him. I thought, however, that it would not be duty for me to keep the seventh day, living, as I was, among those who professed to keep the first day. But when I heard these precious truths presented by some of God's faithful ministers, I felt the importance of obeying—could find no excuse, and did not wish for any; thought I had found the people I had longed to be with, and I did count the truth dearer than all things else. The truth, I can say, I have loved; and the truth is all that has kept me from that day to this. I have not been faithful as I should have been; have been living considerable of the time with those who have not regarded the testimony of Jesus, and have not been walking in his footsteps. I have had some trials; none, however, but what I might have endured if I only had trusted the Lord as I should, believing that everything would work together for my good and his glory. I had almost forgotten that a reward was offered to those who endured unto the end; thought I tried to endure, but failed to believe and hope in God as I should. If any who read these lines are cast down, tried, and tempted, let me entreat you to hold on to the promises of God. “Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath great recompense of reward.” If we have departed from God, the promise is that if we will return unto him he will return unto us, and heal all of our backslidings. I am trying to return unto him. I trust he forgives. My faith is increasing in his word, and I feel the comforting influence of his Spirit. Never should we doubt the Lord; though all around seems dark and discouraging, we should believe him, and then in him we shall find comfort and peace that passeth understanding. I desire to walk in the humble path in which the Lord would have me, and to do the appropriate work assigned me. I see that each of us need an experience in the things of God for ourselves; we must stand or fall for ourselves. This is close work, getting ready for the judgment, but I want the necessary preparation of heart to enable me to stand. I do not mean, with the help of the Lord, that another shall take my crown; I want to wear it myself. Pray for me.

MAGGIE A. NEWMAN

Victor, N. Y., May 17, 1868.