A Letter by Mary L. Williams

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 2, 1873

A Letter.

By Mary L. Williams

Dear Sisters of Hardin County, Kentucky: Over three months ago I parted with you for my home in the West. Since then, we have passed through many changes. Have they affected us for good or evil? How fresh in my mind, this Sabbath morning, is the memory of the hours we have spent in worshiping our God together; and the scene of that first-day morning, when we, a little band of despised followers of the humble Redeemer, sought the bank of that little brook to find a watery grave to be buried with Christ in baptism, to rise to walk in a new life. And are we faithfully keeping our pledge that we made that memorable night when we covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus? That event marked the beginning of a period in our lives which, if well and profitably spent, will surely prove a never-failing source of endless blessings to each of us. But if the lessons of wisdom there imparted are to be supplanted by the fascinations of this world and worldly considerations, if we are to be numbered among those devotees of fashion and folly that are wooed and won by the siren song of pleasure, with no aspiration rising higher than earth and self, then our fate is sealed, our destiny is fixed, and our sentence long since pronounced by him who passed judgment upon the foolish virgins.

May we be aware, then, when the hour of trial comes, as come it surely will, that we be prepared to use, and not abuse, the potent influence of womanly charms. Could a picture of our condition have been photographed, at our initiation into this great warfare, and now compared with the present reality, do you think that we could see much improvement in our Christian characters? would we not see sunshine and darkness commingle in some of our lives? But now the darkness is gradually disappearing from our minds; and, although the vail has not been entirely rent, exposing the dawn, still evidences are constantly increasing which herald the approach of that perfect day.

We each have a work to do in the great harvest field; let us sow good seed, if we have to water it with tears, and when the Master comes, we can hand in our sheaves and join the harvest song. Let us, dear sisters, remember that six thousand years have rolled by since the mother of all mankind walked amid the bowers of her Eden home, and by her unfaithfulness was banished from that lovely place where she could have reigned as queen of all living things. And to-day, with the accumulated knowledge of ages, how little do her daughters know of their mission to earth: and how far short do we come of fulfilling our duty. It is said that three-fourths of all the evil and all the good, is attributable to the influence of woman. Be that as it may, it is certain that our influence is potent for good or evil.

Permit me, dear sisters, to express the fond hope that throughout the remainder of our waiting for the return of our Lord we will ever be found fulfilling our high and holy calling. Let us have the love of Mary, and the industry of Martha, uniting in our life-work. Walking in the narrow path and bearing the cross is the only way for us to regain lost Eden. We should not wish to be carried to our home on flowery beds of ease, while others have sailed through bloody seas; and Jesus was a “man of sorrows.”

I am waiting, ever waiting, For a brighter, better day, Just beyond the clouds and shadows That surround my lonely way; For a day of light and gladness, Such as earth has never known, When in equity and justice, Christ shall reign on David’s throne.

All the prophets of past ages Saw its brightness from afar, And in words sublime have spoken Of the peace and glory there; Now they sleep in those green valleys Which in weariness they trod, But they’ll come with songs of triumph, To the holy mount of God.

Now the world is full of suffering, Sounds of woe fall on my ears, Sights of wretchedness and sorrow Fill my eyes with pitying tears; ’Tis the earth’s dark night of weeping, Wrong and evil triumph now; I can wait, for just before me Beams the morning’s roseate glow.

I am waiting, hoping, praying, For Messiah’s glorious reign, For I know he’ll rule in justice, Right and truth will triumph then; Worldly pleasure cannot win me, While I wait for that bright day; Worldly pleasure cannot charm me While its light beams on my way.

MARY. L. WILLIAMS.

Baltimore, Kansas, Aug. 2, 1873.