A Lonely Sabbath Keeper’s Appeal
By Elizabeth H. Ford
Dear Brethren and Sisters :—As I have often been strengthened and encouraged in reading your sweet, soul-cheering communications, I have thought that perchance a few lines from one of the lonely ones, might be read with interest, and perhaps be a blessing to some situated in like manner. Though far removed from those of like precious faith, doomed to keep the Sabbath alone, yet I do not feel discouraged, but rather have cause for thankfulness and praise to my heavenly Father in plucking me as a brand from the burning, and enlightening my sin-darkened mind upon subjects which pertain to my everlasting welfare. O, I desire an interest in the prayers of the remnant, that I may live with an "eye single to the glory of God," show by my good works that I have been with Jesus, and am striving to meet him in peace. I realize that a great, an individual responsibility rests upon each and every one who professes to keep the commandments of God. Our daily walk and conversation will bear a testimony for or against the Truth. How important then that we seek often for divine guidance, that "He who slumbers not nor sleeps," may order our steps aright. I feel a deep, an increasing interest for the youthful portion of our readers, the children of the remnant, knowing as I do, that there are many who have not fully given their hearts to the Saviour. I fear that parents do not realize the weight of responsibility resting upon them. O that they would wake up to this subject, pray to God in earnest, and in faith believing, for the salvation of the precious ones entrusted to their care. I wish to feel more sensibly the important moment in which we live. The day of God's wrath is swiftly approaching, when he will "shake not only the earth, but also heaven." "The everlasting mountains will be scattered, the perpetual hills will bow." And O, impenitent one, where will you find a hiding place, in that dreadful day? You may call for the rocks and the mountains to fall upon you, and hide you from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; but your cry will be in vain. "The elements will melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein will be burned up." "The wicked and all the nations that forget God will be turned into hell;" and upon them the great Jehovah will "rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest." Oh! the consternation that will prevail among those who have rejected the light and the truth! No tongue can tell, no pen describe it. Flee, then, O flee for refuge, lay hold on the hope set before you, keep the commandments of God, strive earnestly for the faith of Jesus, and so be "accounted worthy to escape all these things which are coming upon the earth, and to stand before the Son of man at his appearing." I feel thankful to hear through the Review of the prosperity of the cause of God, and pray that he would hasten the day when the last jewel will be sealed, and faith in our dear Redeemer be "swallowed up in sight." O how cheering are the promises of God to his despised and down-trodden children, when the friends we love so dearly turn from us in scorn and derision, and tauntingly speak of the precious cause, 'tis then the "blessed hope" will buoy the spirits up, and cause us to look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who has been tempted in all points like as we are, and therefore knoweth how to succor those who are tempted. It has long been my prayer that God would send some of his chosen and true messengers here. I think that good might be done in this seeming "wilderness of sin." The New Time theory prevailed here to quite an extent. Spiritualism is fast gaining ground, and it seems to me that the third angel's message ought to be "proclaimed with a loud voice." I often think of the numerous Tent-meetings that will be enjoyed this season, and pray that they may be the means of bringing many to a saving knowledge of the truth. I should be most happy to attend some of them, but as I am situated at present I cannot, but will try to think it all for the best, knowing that "no good thing" will be withheld from those that love the Lord. That we may all live humble at the feet of Jesus, strive to follow in his meek and lowly footsteps, and be found with "clean hands, and pure hearts" at his appearing, is the prayer of your sister in Christ.
ELIZABETH H. FORD.
Lowell, Sept. 23d, 1855.