Receiving the Third Angel’s Message
By Sophia Shoudy
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Although a stranger personally, I feel it a privilege to write. I have had the Review and Herald a short time, for which I am truly thankful. In taking a retrospective view of my past life up to the present time, I have abundant reason to praise God with all my soul; for while I was traveling the downward road to death, God called after me to seek the preparation requisite to an admittance into his kingdom; while tempted and severely tried by the adversary of my soul, and almost ready to sink beneath the load, the presence and Spirit of Jesus has sustained me thus far. I can truly say, I know the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin, and a witness, short of this, can never satisfy me. I have started for Canaan, and on I must go. I praise the Lord that I ever heard the first and second messages, and was enabled to rejoice in the glorious prospect of the speedy coming of Jesus. Notwithstanding all this mercy bestowed upon me, I had, in a measure, wandered from God, and become cold and indifferent. Then he sent our beloved Bro. Rhodes with the third angel's message. This seemed to sum up the whole, and show the right track. I was led to acknowledge the truth, and rejoice in the same. With regard to it, I can say, with the Prophet of old, "O, how love I thy law!" I feel unworthy of a name with you, but I am willing to endure the whole truth, and be identified as one who keeps the "commandments of God, and faith of Jesus." I can now see a vast difference between the law of Moses and the law of God. I can now understand the Apostle's argument. The Word truly is a light to my feet and a lamp to my path. It shines more and more unto the perfect day. I am fully determined to go through, at the expense of every thing else. Unwavering faith in the present truth cuts us loose from every tie that binds us to earth, and makes us pilgrims and strangers here. A view of the glorious inheritance, the rich reward is enough to stimulate us to action. In view of all this,
And can I yet delay
My little all to give?
To tear my soul away,
For Jesus to receive?
Your unworthy sister,
SOPHIA SHOUDY.
Syracuse, N. Y., Sept. 22d, 1852.