Mesopotamia, Ohio by M. E. Reynolds

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 24, 1867

Mesopotamia, Ohio

By M. E. Reynolds

From Sister Reynolds.

DURING my brief experience in the third angel’s message, I have, many times, been made to rejoice in the Lord because of his special care over his people in these last days, in shedding upon our pathway the light we so much need, and without which there would be little if any hope of successfully withstanding the wiles of the enemy, and thereby overcoming the world, the flesh, and the Devil; but never did I feel its importance as I have since reading Testimony No. 13. My soul is stirred within me, as I have read and re-read it. And while I read, and reflect, I can but ask myself, Shall I be numbered among those who will get above the simplicity of the work and lose eternal life? I feel my proneness to wander from the God I love, and treat with too much indifference the straight testimony. Often has the enemy tempted me to think too much stress was laid upon our mode of living, dressing, &c., and that we were really making ourselves unnecessarily conspicuous in the eyes of unbelievers, and had it not been for the testimony at hand, to strengthen in the hour of temptation, ere this, I fear, I might have yielded to the suggestions of the enemy of all righteousness.

But God in his goodness gives us line upon line; and here, on pages 66 and 67 of No. 13, is my memory refreshed, and my heart quickened to give all diligence to these things, that I may make my calling and election sure. Surely the Lord will require of us no unnecessary sacrifice, and while he in mercy condescends to give us the light, and lead us in the way of life, may we show our love by humble obedience to all his requirements. My heart yearns over such as have felt their duty in these matters, yet dare to yield to the temptations of the enemy and gratify the lusts of the flesh. May the Lord in mercy quicken such hearts, is my prayer. The apostle says, Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James i, 12. In Rom. vi, 16, we read, “Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? May the Lord help us to carefully and prayerfully consider these matters, and choose the path of humble obedience to all his requirements, seeking righteousness and meekness; and it may be that we shall be hid in the day of his fierce anger. M. E. REYNOLDS.