A Letter by Marcia S. Avery

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 29, 1874

A Letter.

By Marcia S. Avery

DEAR CHRISTIAN FRIENDS: Many years have passed, since my name has appeared in the REVIEW, and although there are very many who have since become readers of its columns, yet there are those I believe by whom my name is still remembered. To such dear scattered friends I would say that I am still endeavoring as in years past, to secure a shelter from the coming storm, to make Christ my refuge and Heaven my home; and although my pen has so long been silent, I have loved the truth none the less, but feel the necessity as much to-day as ever of living it out, and letting my light shine.

I am often made to rejoice while reading the good news from all parts of the field of precious souls who are coming from darkness to light, and willing to sacrifice all for it, and that this last stirring message is going with solemnity and power, to “peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” I am greatly rejoiced to see the work of the Lord prospering, and feel that we have enough to encourage us to toil on, as we can see so near before us the final consummation of all our hopes.

I would here acknowledge the great and loving mercy of God toward me, in permitting me, after being severely afflicted with paralysis, for the last season, to rise again from a bed of helplessness and tedious confinement, and to give me the use once more of my limbs, so that I am now able to get about, with the aid of crutches. Truly, I can say, “The sorrows of death compassed me;” but the Lord has heard prayer in my behalf, and I want to give him all the glory. No one but God, and those who have passed through the same, can ever know the weariness, anxiety and sorrow, that have been mine, while thus passing under the rod; but thanks to his dear name, I yet live, and trust that I may be purified by suffering, and never be left to complain, but fully comprehend the lesson God would have me learn, by what I have endured, and honor him, striving to do all to his glory, and to live healthfully, and temperately in all things, as I have learned to prize health above all earthly good. With David I can say, What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?

Oh! how rich the consolation that we are nearing that immortal shore, where the inhabitants shall not say, I am sick. There we shall not weep over the suffering, and the dying; for sickness and death, or the fears of them, shall have no place. Oh! what a joyful meeting, when we all get home, and when the fullness of the reality bursts upon us, that our toils are over, our pilgrimage at an end; and Heaven, sweet Heaven, is our home forever. If these joys are for me, many are the dear and loved ones whom I shall greet in that sinless land.

Many are sleeping now, till the voice of the Lifegiver shall bid them awake, and yet others are with me waiting for the return of our Deliverer. Let us each gird anew for the race, and as probation’s last hour hasteth, give all diligence to make our calling and election sure; and at last be permitted together to share the unfading glories of that eternal inheritance that is promised to the children of God.

MARCIA S. AVERY.

Locke, Sept. 5, 1874.