Faithful Christian Living
By Halta L. Daniels
How great and exceedingly precious are the promises contained in God's word. It is meat indeed and drink indeed to every hungry, thirsty soul. It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; and how necessary it is that we live up to its rules and requirements, that we obey God and do his will at all times and in all places, walking after godliness, [Phil. iii, 20,] having our conversation in heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. How ought we to live in all holy conversation and godliness before this sinful and accursed generation. We want more of that faith which works by love, in order to stand in this evil day. O my brethren and sisters, you who are looking for Jesus, let us examine ourselves to see whether we are pure in heart before a just and holy God. Be not discouraged, ye followers of the Lamb, for we shall reap in due time if we faint not. God has said it, who also will perform it. He will be a shelter to those who put their trust in him. Let us keep all his holy commandments that we may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. What a blissful thought! How great should be our thirst after righteousness and true holiness in the sight of him who cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. The pure in heart shall see God. O let us strive to live right in his sight. Let us forsake everything which is of a sinful nature, or in any way has a tendency to destroy our peace and confidence in God. Let us not give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, which are at enmity with God. There are many delusions in these last days, which are leading hundreds and thousands down the broad road to ruin. These are not holy, neither are they pure. We are commanded to flee these things, and follow after godliness. I do believe that Spiritualism and Mormonism are schemes of Satan to lead souls to perdition. Rational and intelligent beings will not be led by them, nor be influenced by them. 2 Tim. iii, 6. Of this sort are they which creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. From such we should turn away. I feel to praise God for all the blessings I enjoy; and though many have tried to turn my feet from God's holy law, I am still strong in the faith of his glorious advent. Many have advised me very carefully to give up my foolish notions. I am alone in this place; that is, in my belief, and have not had the privilege of meeting with the people of God on his holy day for more than a year. There are no Sabbath-keepers here. Many are the snares and temptations which are continually thrown in my pathway; but by the all-sustaining grace of God I have traveled thus far in that good and narrow way. It is nearly two years since I embraced the Lord's Sabbath, and towards three since I sought and found my Saviour near; and the greatest desire of my soul is, to follow Christ who is the way, the truth, the life; to speak the truth at all times even amid the frowns and scoffs of the ungodly. This is the duty and the privilege of every devoted Christian. I have found much peace and joy in the reading of a portion of God's word, namely, Matt. v. We have much here to encourage us on in the heavenly pilgrimage. Here we learn that our Lord came not to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfill. How plain is God's word, and yet how many err from the truth. I wish that all would read this chapter, and whoso readeth, let him understand. A wayfaring man though a fool need not err therein. There is not the least doubt in my own mind concerning the Sabbath. It is one of the most glorious truths of the Bible. It is my delight to do the will of God. Never will I turn away my feet from God's holy law; for if we would enter into life we must keep his commandments, and they are not grievous. For verily I say unto you, says Jesus, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Also, James ii, 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach them the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. What plain and glorious truths are these. This chapter first convinced me of my obligation to keep God's royal law, and may we ever keep and do all therein contained. Dear friends and fellow-travelers through this wilderness world, let us never give up. We are almost in sight of the prize. If we are faithful we shall soon receive the crown, and rest with our lovely Jesus. Let us live holy, for without holiness no man can see the Lord. Soon we shall see the King in his beauty, and Jerusalem a quiet habitation. The pure in heart shall see God. May the Lord help us to be pure in heart, and we help ourselves to do the same, that we may have a part in the first resurrection, and an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord. Let us continue to look for him, for unto such he will appear without sin the second time unto salvation. HALTA L. DANIELS.
Elkland, Tioga Co., Pa., 1857.