A Lonely Sabbath Keeper’s Testimony
By E. O. Meacham
BRO. SMITH:—To us it is heart-cheering to hear from brethren and sisters of like precious faith. It encourages us to press on when we learn that they have like trials and afflictions with us. And we would not withhold our mite, which perhaps would be like a cooling draught to the thirsty soul, or a word of consolation to some careworn and wayfaring pilgrim. We are still alone keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and the faith of Jesus, toiling hard to spread the light of gospel truth to a people who live in an age of darkness and papal error. We find many who gladly hear the word, but regard it not, because they have ever been taught error instead of truth. Still they cannot gainsay Bible truth, neither will they be convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath, nor that man is mortal, but say if any man preach any other doctrine, save that which Paul preached, they are not to receive it nor bid it God speed. In vain they teach for doctrine the traditions and commandments of men, and call it the gospel which Paul preached. O, consistency, thou art a jewel, to be subservient to so many theories contrary to Bible truth! We have labored and toiled here for a year and not one has yet ventured to leave the darling institution of Babylon, and serve the living God. And still we have to
“— walk alone and oft are sad,
And falls the briny tear;
Our hearts are grieved with trials sore,
And pressed with many a care.” We still toil on, desiring to spend and be spent in the service of our Master, hoping the time will soon come, when God will raise up a people in this place who shall be zealous of good works. We still desire to hold on to the faith once delivered to the saints, knowing that our light afflictions here which are but for a moment will work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Yours in hope of immortality.
E. O. MEACHAM.
Savanna, Ill., July 20th, 1856. P. S. Will Bro. P. E. Ferrin of Carroll Co., Ill., give me his P. O. address.