Standing Firm for the Sabbath
By Caroline A. Washburn
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Although a stranger to you, yet I trust I am not a stranger to that Saviour who hath said, "Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." I wish to express my thanks to you, and gratitude to God, for the instruction I have received through the Review and Herald. My knowledge of the third angel's message is confined alone to the word of God, and the light I have received from your paper. I do not have the privilege of meeting in conference with brethren and sisters of like precious faith. There is but one in this place, besides myself, that keeps the fourth commandment. Jesus, the Faithful and True Witness, says: "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the City."—There are those who profess to love God that would gladly lead us from his holy Sabbath, to an institution of Papacy. To such I can say, "For Canaan I've started, and on I must go,
Till all the bright glories of Eden I know;
I've made no reserve, and I'm sure I'll not lack,
While onward I journey and do not draw back.
My soul is enkindled with rapture and love,
I fain would ascend to my Jesus above;
But nay, I must follow in his humble track,
And prove my obedience by not drawing back.
Then on let us press, for Jesus is near,
And strengthen each other with words of good cheer;
With zeal ever buoyant and courage ne'er slack,
Let's be true to our King and never draw back." I had rather suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. While we have Jesus for our friend, the Spirit for our guide, why need we fear? If God is for us, who can be against us? My whole being says, Praise the Lord for what he is doing. The road looks plain. A wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein. It is my determination, God being my helper, to spend the remainder of my days in his service. Yours, waiting for redemption at the appearing of Jesus, CAROLINE A. WASHBURN. Georgia, Vt., July 10th, 1852.