Standing Firm on Present Truth
By William Camp
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel that it is time for God’s people to stand firm on the truth, having on the whole armor of God, and to purify their souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit. I want, for one, to stand on the whole present truth. Present truth is what we want; truth on every point, that we may be enabled to meet our opponents on gospel ground. We must have clean hands, and pure hearts to prepare us to stand when men’s hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things that are coming on the earth. One year has passed away since I embraced the holy Sabbath, and God has blest me abundantly in trying to keep his commandments. They all look very precious to me. Christ said, “If ye love me keep my commandments,” and he told his disciples to love one another, and said, “by this, shall all men know that ye are my disciples.” But do we see that love exemplified in the lives of those that profess to be his disciples? I think that all will answer, no, not among the different sects, for there we see discord and confusion. But I can say that among those, as far as my acquaintance extends, that keep God’s holy Sabbath, the spirit of love is manifest in their deportment, heavenly union prevails, and will among those that truly belong to Christ. I feel like putting all on board, and going through to the kingdom. To me, the Sabbath is a delight, holy of the Lord and honorable, although some would fain have me follow the traditions of men. I have vowed to the Lord and cannot go back. I have read the Review with great delight. I feel greatly encouraged to persevere. I mean to strive to possess the kingdom with my brethren, and with them share its glories, and with them I expect to bear the trials and conflicts of the way, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. We should be glad to have the brethren visit us, as we have but little opportunity of meeting with them. We should be happy to see any that will come bringing the present truth. Yours in the hope of eternal life, Chelsea, Vt., July 18th, 1852. WM. CAMP.