"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name." Mal. 3:16. DEAR FRIENDS OF THE SIGNS: I was brought up by parents belonging to the Church of Christ; and supposing that they believed and taught all Christ's Word, I was contented with that teaching till I was twenty-five years old. In 1884 I was born anew. Like Naaman, I always wished for a mule's burden of earth from that heavenly spot where the light of divine glory filled my soul's as well as my natural vision. Altho the night was pitch dark, I could have seen a pin in the room. We had been attending a Methodist meeting which caused me to begin to search the Scriptures, and also to examine my own life. After two years I joined the M. E. Church, and for twelve years taught in her Sunday-schools. During this time I had received a good measure of the Holy Spirit to guide me in the truth, learning the true and only connection with Christ from John 3, which puzzled Nicodemus the master of Israel; and began to realize the nearness of the end of time. In 1898 I heard of the Third Angel's Message, which forever convinced me that we had been following an apostate power instead of Holy Writ. Here I made a vow to follow the Lamb whithersoever He leads, and in accepting it, I found the voice from heaven in Rev. 18:1-4 to be in perfect harmony with John 3. So we do not need the arm of flesh to lean on, but only to walk in the light of God's word, guided by the blessed Spirit. I want to be one of that blessed hundred forty-four thousand, with this earnest desire, "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?"
Yours in the fellowship of the Spirit,
Gross, Neb. P. G. COX. DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am so glad that I, too, can have place in your good paper to tell of a Saviour's love. A few short years ago I accepted the Bible Sabbath with all its kindred truths. Not by the voice of man, but by the inward working of the Holy Spirit did I seek to know the Lord's will. And to-day I feel that I am standing upon that Rock which is Christ, and underneath me are the everlasting arms. O for the Christian's hope and faith that will not fail when the storms of life fall heavily upon us! The way grows brighter and brighter to me as I journey on, and my determination is to go on in the good way, holding up the standard of truth before a dying world till my work is done.
Yours in Christian love,
Cincinnatus, N. Y. MARTHA J. GATES. EDITOR SIGNS—Dear Brother: I saw an article on the use of tobacco (reply to inquiry, "Is It a Sin?"). I have been in the same boat myself, but when I decided to quit everything that was a hindrance, I found that my Saviour not only could, but actually did, save me from the habit, and now I have no desire for it. I realize that it is the working of His creative power that has done this for me. See Eph. 3:20. It seems to me that it is Satan's scheme to get us to question, Is it a sin? His plan in the Garden of Eden was to ask, Has God said? and then to follow up the vantage by pointing out the benefits they would receive by disobedience,—they would become as gods, knowing good and evil. The sum of the matter is, Christ will not dwell in a polluted house, and as we can do nothing without Him, Satan makes an easy conquest on something that is unquestionably sin.
Yours sincerely,
THOS. GROOME. I HAVE kept the Sabbath for over two years. I was baptized last December, and I thank God that I have come into the light to keep His commandments. Glory to His name.
San Francisco. MRS. ANNA COOK. DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am very thankful I can testify for Christ and His dear love for me. Eight years ago last September I was buried with Him in baptism, and rose unspeakably happy, because I had obeyed His commandment. Ever since, I have walked in newness of life, and am always happy in Him. With His assisting grace, I will serve Him while I live. I read that if we confess Jesus before men, He will confess us before our Father in heaven. I can say that a continual flow of rich blessings from Jesus is with me, to comfort me on every side. Tho I have been an unprofitable servant, I claim the promises He left in His Word, and am ever ready to witness for Him. I deem it a blessed privilege to speak in His behalf. His Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. What comfort and peace do I find in all His teachings! I am isolated, as it were, yet I am not alone; for Jesus is always near to comfort me. He is my Rock and my Fortress, and ever sure Portion. In Him do I trust, and am ever looking to Him who is the Author and Finisher of my faith. I rejoice in the hope of His coming.
Meeteetse, Wyo. MRS. O. G. PENSE.