Holding Fast to Present Truth
By B. F. Wilkerson
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am trying to keep the commandments of God, and I grow stronger and stronger in the truth of the third angel's message. I came from Vermont a few weeks since to this place. There is no one here but my mother and one brother who keep the Sabbath of the Lord. The new time is making some progress in this region; but I feel like holding on to the Lord; and while there are so many spirits gone out, let us try the spirits by the Word. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." So we find it. I was conversing not long since with a Timeist, and he affirmed that there was not one of the ten commandments binding on us. We see by this that there is no light in them. Brethren, let us hold on to the truth, and not be blown about by every wind of doctrine, but plant our feet on the rock, and be established in the present truth. I am glad that there are a few who are willing to come out from the church and the world and keep God's commandments and refuse the mark of the beast. I look forward with joy to that128day when the third angel shall go with a loud voice. Here is the patience of the saints. "Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil." Isa. lvi, 2. This we see is when Christ's coming is near; for he says, [verse 1,] "My salvation is near to come and my righteousness to be revealed." I thank the Lord that he has chosen the poor of this world rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. Brethren, pray for us. I want to be more like my Master; and my prayer is, Lord search me and try me, and see if there be any wicked way in me. I would be glad if any of the lecturing brethren could come this way and present the truth to the people. The third angel's message has never been preached here. Yours in hope. B. F. WILKERSON.
Westfield, Mass., Apr 23d, 1854.