A Testimony of Faith by S. Peckham

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 18, 1855

A Testimony of Faith

By S. Peckham

From Sister Peckham.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I should enclose the one dollar without a word if it were not that I think it would be a little disheartening to you to find that after so long being in the way to life I had not a single word for JESUS. I am not ashamed to confess him and his truth before men: if I were, I could not hope to have my name confessed before the FATHER and his holy angels.

If ever I could say that we, in this place, were striving to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of GOD, I have confidence to say it now. I do feel that JESUS and his truth are my light, my life, and my portion forever. Praise his Holy name! And he verifies his word: "they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and walk and not faint." His Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path, to guide me in the way I should go that I walk not in the way of sinners. Truly, wisdom's ways, are "ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace." She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and happy is every one that retaineth her. For a full definition, see Wisdom of Solomon vii. 22-29. See also chap. vi, 12-21.

The Lord layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous; he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment and preserveth the way of his saints. Prov. ii, 7, 8. Wisdom's ways when conceded to, are truly delightful, but I see the way is narrow, and beset with thorns. These the enemy has strewn along the way; but if we are determined to walk uprightly, and search diligently, for the old paths, the enemy with all his arts cannot hide them from us. Grace will prevail, and we shall not stumble. "Wisdom revealeth her secrets by littles," and I see she will not make a confident of us, if we are treacherous. We must hold fast and prove faithful to a little grace if we would have more; as it is written, "To him that hath it shall be given, and he shall have an abundance, but from him that hath not it shall be taken that which he seemeth to have." Said JESUS, "behold I send you forth as sheep among wolves." Now when we consider the comparison we must expect to be intruded upon and sometimes torn by the way, but I feel to say, GOD grant that we may suffer wrongs, and injuries if need be; (we expect nothing less from wolves!) but forbid that we should be the offenders, or retaliate an injury done us. It has seemed that I could not conceive it possible for the tongue to frame mischief enough against me, to cause to wish a like injury or one of any sort upon them, much more to be guilty of executing it myself, whether by word or deed. Grace conquers all, a little experience has led me to see that when the enemy hurls his darts, I must draw nigh to the good Shepherd. He is a mighty conqueror, and will fight all our battles for us if we will trust in him; but if we attempt to defend ourselves we are more than likely to be overcome. Are any of us wounded let us remember that He was bruised for our transgression, and by his stripes we are healed.

Do any of us suffer unjustly let us remember if we never suffer unjustly we cannot sympathize with CHRIST in his sufferings; for all he suffered was unjustly; for he never did a wrong, but was as a lamb without blemish. O for purity, and innocence, that we like him may be without blemish, having our past sins hid and our iniquities covered." Let us glory in

tribulation, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost that is given unto us.

I have truly been ashamed before my Maker that I knew so little what it was to suffer with his people, and for his name's sake; but you that know what it is to bear reproach, and suffer for the truth's sake, can comprehend fully the last text quoted. I would say to all such, Be not weary in well-doing; in due time you will reap if you faint not.

Your sister unworthily hoping that all of us who profess to love his appearing may learn speedily what it is to love one another as JESUS loved us. S. PECKHAM. Oswego Co., N. Y., Nov. 7th, 1855.