Keeping the Commandments and Faith
By Leonard Stillman
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I wish to say to you and to all of the dear saints scattered abroad, that it is still my determination to try to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. In John xv, 11. Christ says, "If ye keep my commandments ye shall abide in my love." This world looks dark and dreary, but the night is far spent, the day is at hand, let us therefore seek to have on the whole armor, that we may be enabled to stand. I want to be an inhabitant of that better land where no one will say, I am sick, where there will be no more separation of friends we hold near and dear. There the parting hand will never be taken. I have in a little season past lost many friends, among whom was a much loved mother; but I believe she is now sleeping in Jesus, and those that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Yes, praise the Lord, the graves will give up their dead, and the saints put on immortality. Seeing then these things will come to pass, what manner of persons ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness. It is a great thing to be right in all things, to watch over all of our ways and words, to be patient under all circumstances, and to have that love that if we were required to, we can lay down our life for a brother. I have no sympathy with those who are trying to injure those who have borne the burden and heat of the day. May the Lord help us to shun the devices of Satan, that we may be enabled to escape the things that are coming upon those that love not the Lord. Soon he that shall come will come and will not tarry, and if any draw back he will have no pleasure in them. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. The Lord will not forsake those who put their trust in him and keep his commandments. Soon, if we faint not, God will wipe away all tears from our eyes, and there will be no more sorrow nor sighing, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things will have passed away. He that overcometh shall inherit all things. I wish to say to all of God's dear children, Now live in peace and holy fear,
In love strive to excel,
For Christ our King will soon appear,
So brethren all farewell.
Yours in love, hoping to overcome.
LEONARD STILLMAN.
Lisburn, N. Y., March 5th, 1855.