Affliction Leading to the Truth
By Susan Elmer
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Realizing the great goodness of God to us, I write a few words hoping that it will be the means of a blessing to some. While living in the West we were called to wade through deep waters of affliction. Death entered our family and called a number of our children away. My husband was, also, greatly depressed in mind, and all my persuasions, with those of friends availed nothing. For years, not one ray of light pierced the dark clouds that surrounded him. After we came to this State he became more calm, but still the third angel's message found him in darkness, and far from the way he should go. But it came in mercy, and it now appears that nothing else could have saved him. He now enjoys sweet communion with God, and delights in his holy law. The Lord will bless all those that take hold of his covenant, by remembering his commandments to do them. We are witnesses that it is not a law of bondage, but of liberty; and we know that it is not abolished, for we read that all his commandments are sure. They stand fast for ever and ever. We see now that our afflictions were sent in mercy, for they have been the means of bringing us where we could hear and receive the truth. We thank the Lord for calling our children away from the evil to come, believing that all who sleep in Jesus the Lord will soon bring with him. The Lord is blessing his people who are striving for the truth, and they must and will succeed, in spite of all opposition. The Lord is adding to our numbers, for which we thank him and take courage. Oh, let us be of good cheer, for soon our trials will all be over. God will soon wipe away all tears from our eyes. Yes, we shall soon see the King in his beauty, and if faithful hear his lovely voice bidding us welcome through those pearly gates, where we shall walk those golden streets, and sing hallelujah to Him that sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb for ever and ever. O, glorious thought; I long to be there. Your Sister striving to keep the commandments, SUSAN ELMER. Buckland, Mass., Aug. 30th, 1852.