DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—When brought a few months since to the borders of the grave, by sickness, I regretted that I had never told you what the Lord had done for me, and I resolved to do it if I ever had sufficient strength.
The story of redeeming love, though often told, is always new; and I bless God to day that he numbers even me with those who can testify, from blessed experience, to the riches of his grace.
At the age of nine years, I found pardon through Christ, and soon afterwards began to look for his coming. But after the disappointment of 1844, drew back to the world, and since then, have followed, alternately, the world and the Church.
When I first heard the sound of the third angel's message, I was endeavoring to be a Christian; but when I looked upon the proud churches as being the Israel of God, I was perplexed; for I discovered a great contrast between them and Bible Christians. Yet if the salt of the earth was not there, I knew not where it was.
I had heard little or nothing of the Advent doctrine since I was a child, and knew none who believed it. I was dissatisfied with myself, and had many misgivings with regard to the path I was treading. After I heard the present truth this question continually came up before me: Is it possible that the great mass of professing Christians are in the road to death? In the Spring of 1850, I prayed earnestly that God would convince me if he still poured out his Spirit upon the churches. In the Fall, Providence placed me in the very midst of a so-called revival of religion. If I was at all predisposed, it was favorably, yet I watched its progress anxiously, and was convinced that it was not like the revivals of past days.
As I reflected and read my Bible, the truth was clear. Duty became apparent; but I was too proud to come down to the commandments. How could I make myself so singular? Sometimes I would drive it from my thoughts altogether, and harden my heart, and close my ears to the voice of truth. I had thought myself a Christian; but, O, how did my carnal heart now evince its enmity against the law of God. It was a searching test; but, thank God, it is just such as we need. On the one hand I saw the narrow way to Eternal Life, and on the other, my good name and the world with all its allurements; and I was compelled to choose. Just three years ago, I determined to follow the Lamb, and take the first step by keeping the Sabbath.
With that resolution came peace and pardon, and I enjoyed what I had long lost; but when the Sabbath came the enemy triumphed. After three weeks more spent in darkness and distress I took up the cross. O matchless mercy that did not then turn me away!
And now, when I call to mind my Master's dealing with me for the last three years, and cast a glance forward to what lies before, my soul is melted with gratitude and joy. In forsaking the world, and striving in all things to follow Jesus, I have found, even here, an exceeding great reward. Yes, if there was no reward at the end of the race, I would still strive to walk in this narrow way. I praise the Lord that we may take the Bible in our hand, and follow the Lamb for ourselves, without looking for precept or example to any lukewarm Church.
We must do this, or we shall never inherit eternal Life.
I have ever believed it the Christian's duty to enjoy present and full salvation from sin; and also that it was a blessing of which we may and should have the evidence as much as of justification, and have sought it for more than two years, but have failed probably for want of knowledge. I now believe it was mine at the moment I consecrated myself to God, and I might have kept it by faith, reckoning myself thence forward dead indeed unto sin. Six months ago, I read a book of sixty-two experiences by which I was instructed and encouraged, and shortly after, the Lord was pleased to give me abundant assurance that the blood of Jesus Christ cleansed me from all sin. The inward witness was mine, and the rich and holy joy, (mingled with self-abasement,) and love to God and man that week after week overflowed my soul no tongue can tell.
Thus, through free unmerited Grace, did my soul bathe in the ocean of a Saviour's love, till distressing sickness wasted the strength of mind and body. And although I am now often distressed at my own sinfulness, I am constantly aspiring to be again on that high and happy ground. Praise, and honor, and glory be to Jesus that he saves his people from their sins. It is all of Grace.
The Lord has taught me to thank him for afflictions, and trust him in darkness, believing that the trial of our faith will “be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
Dear Brethren and Sisters, let us remember at what a costly purchase our salvation has been procured, and, O, let us be in earnest to secure it. Let us remember that it is but our reasonable service to present our bodies a living sacrifice holy and acceptable unto God, and also, that it is our highest privilege. As He which hath called us is holy, so let us strive to be holy. He requires it now, and now is the time to seek it. It can only be obtained by earnest, unyielding prayer. By this it can be obtained. Bless the Lord. If we cannot afford to make the effort, and persevere till it is accomplished, our faith will never carry us to Heaven. O may He discover to us the fullness of the fountain, that we may wash and be clean.
It is a privilege to hear from the Brethren and Sisters through the Review. We have not seen a commandment keeper for the last two years, and never but one teacher of present truth.