The Sanctifying Power of Present Truth
By Merritt G. Kellogg
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—When I look at the past, and see God's dealings with me, in bringing me from the gross darkness that I was in, into the glorious light and liberty of the present truth, I feel to praise his holy name. I do indeed feel to rejoice in the present truth. It seems to me that if we really have the present truth in us, its sanctifying influence will be seen in our lives. It will cause us to confess and forsake all our errors, and make us pure. We read in 1 John iii, 2, 3: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure." I am endeavoring to purify myself and striving to overcome, so that when he shall appear I may be like him. I mean to be holy in all manner of conversation, as required in 1 Pet. i, 15, 16:—"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." Yours in hope, MERRITT G. KELLOGG.
Jackson, Mich., Oct. 23d, 1853.