Sarah M. Swan by Sarah M. Swan

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 14, 1858

Sarah M. Swan

By Sarah M. Swan

From Sister Swan.

BRO. SMITH: I thank my heavenly Father that while I was ignorantly breaking his holy law, the precious truth was sounded in my ears; and still more, that he inclined my heart to obey it instead of the commandments and traditions of men. Although I am situated where it is very difficult for me to keep the Sabbath, and where it is impossible to enjoy the quiet so desirable, still I mean to hold on, believing that the Lord will yet work deliverance for me. It has been almost four years since I have been permitted to see any one of like precious faith. O how my heart has longed to meet once more with the dear saints of God. I think no earthly blessing would be so highly prized as this precious privilege, which perhaps I shall never be permitted to enjoy again. I could not refrain from weeping when I read in my last paper that Bro. Cottrell had been within four or five miles of us, (Troy, Geauga Co., Ohio,) and I had known nothing of it. It seemed at first that I could hardly be reconciled to it; but still it gives my drooping spirits some courage to know that there is one family within so short a distance who are trying to obey the truth; for I had not supposed that there was a Sabbath keeper within one hundred miles of this place, or that the Third Angel's Message had ever been proclaimed within that distance. O that others in this vicinity might hear and give heed to the last message of mercy, and prepare for the time of trouble that is coming upon the earth. I do hope if any of the brethren and sisters ever come this way again, they will come and see me. The Cleveland and Mahoning Railroad runs through Mantua. Any one coming from Cleveland on this road would stop at Aurora depot and inquire for Jas. Stockdale, an uncle of mine, in whose house I reside. I would also invite Bro. and Sr. Chaffee to call on me. I live in the north part of Mantua, near Auburn, four miles from Fox's Corners in Troy.

Yours hoping if I never meet the saints on earth; to meet them in the land of rest.

Sarah M. Swan

Mantua, Portage Co., Ohio, Sept. 25th, 1858.