God’s Gracious Dealings
By Alice M. Eaton
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It is a pleasure to let you know of the dealings of God with me. He is gracious and merciful. I cannot believe there is one among the saints of God that has more reason to praise and glorify his holy name than I. He has led me in a way that I know not. When I was wandering, and slighting all his goodness and his grace, when his wrath might well have been kindled, and his fierce anger burned against me, then his gentle voice in tones of pity called after me, "Oh turn ye! oh turn ye, for why will ye die?" Oh how I wish that my heart might ever feel, and be melted by these gentle entreaties. Sometimes I desire to hide myself until I can repent in an acceptable manner in His sight; then again I seem to be indifferent and unfeeling. Yet in the midst of all this confusion of mind, I know that I love the Sabbath of the Lord, and those who are trying to keep it holy unto him. Yes if I know my heart, I love them as myself. I rejoice to hear from them and to know that any of them are giving heed to the faithful and true Witness. I am striving to get on higher ground, to get nearer my Redeemer, where the shadow of his wing will be my covert from the world, and my safeguard from sin. I want to be a christian in every sense of the word. I would that I was more faithful, and not so far behind the company with which I desire to travel to the kingdom of God. It is now five years since I first heard of the Third Angel's Message, and began to see light on the Sabbath. I was with the brethren and sisters a short time, but since then I have had to go alone into a world of opposition, such as none know except those who have had the same trials; but the truth shines brighter and brighter. I was weak upon all the Messages, and had no paper to assist me. When I have been questioned very closely how I knew this and that, and why this was not more extensively known, I have tried to answer to the best of my ability, and then retired alone to some secret spot to pour out my grief to God. I knew that this people loved God, and I meant their God should be mine. When I have wandered he has set me right, and when I have fallen he has raised me up, and I believe he will save me if I do his will. Yours in the truth, ALICE M. EATON. Lynn, Mass., Sept, 11th, 1857.