The Commandments and Present Truth
By Editor
Sister Mary Armstrong writes from Waverly, Mich: "BRO. SMITH, It is with feelings of gratitude to God that I write to you. If he had not opened my heart to receive the truth, I should not have addressed you as a brother, neither should I have loved that poor and, by the world, despised company of Commandment-keepers; but thanks to God that he showed me where I was, and gave me strength to obey his law. "My heart is sad when I see those who make such high pretensions to religion so opposed to the Commandments of God, as if God had altered the law that is gone out of his mouth. I rejoice and praise God for his goodness to one so weak as I am, that the precious truth of his word has been opened to my understanding, and that amidst all the darkness that surrounds me, I still love the present truth, and hope to be sanctified through believing and obeying it. It is through much tribulation that any will enter the kingdom; yet we have the blessed assurance that if we suffer with Christ we shall be permitted to reign with him in glory. How much grace we need in these last days to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, and live as heirs of the kingdom and joint heirs with Jesus Christ to that glorious inheritance. "I am thankful that Bro. Bates came and gave us some lectures on the present truth. He was here two Sabbaths. The last Sabbath was a time of great consolation. There were seven baptized, and as many more came out to keep the Sabbath; and some more are investigating. I think there are many more that would come out soon, if they could hear some more lectures. "We feel to renew our diligence, and strive to come out of the lukewarm state that the church is in. I have thought the Sabbath-keepers were too cold for the time they profess to be living in, looking for their Lord and Saviour. I believe the time is near at hand that he will come. Will he not find many asleep? I have longed, and still long, for a perfect conformity to all the will of my heavenly Father."