Awakening to the Third Angel’s Message
By Samira Nichols
Bro. Smith: I wish to say that I am still striving to keep God's commandments and the Faith of Jesus. I praise the Lord that I ever embraced the Sabbath. I believed from what little light I had that the Lord was coming in 1844, and it caused me to examine my own heart to see if I was prepared for that solemn scene. I saw that I was a sinner in the sight of God, and endeavored to give my heart to him, and prepare for his coming. I heard the Second Angel's Message and believed it, and when I embraced the Third Angel's Message in 1853, all was clear. I believe we are now living in the day of atonement, and that solemn scenes are just before us. I want to overcome and get the victory over every temptation, that I may be pure and spotless when Jesus comes. For nearly two years past I have not seen a Sabbath-keeper, except my children, and one neighbor who kept two Sabbaths, and have heard nothing of the state of the church until this Spring, when I received the Review. How cheering it was to hear from those dear people with whom I had enjoyed so much of the presence of God. I have not lived up to the light of the Third Angel's Message as I should, and consequently have not enjoyed as much of the Spirit of God as if I had done my duty. Last Winter it was strongly impressed upon my mind that I must arise and awake out of sleep, and gird on the whole armor of God. It seemed to me that the Message was soon to go with power. I have tried to be more faithful in my family and with my neighbors, and I have many times been greatly blessed in so doing. I want to get humble and open the door of my heart and let the Saviour in, that I may sup with him and he with me. I never felt my own weakness and unworthiness as much as since I lived in this place; but I try to do what God requires, and leave the event with him. None of the messages have ever been preached in this place that I know of. Ten or twelve that I have conversed with are anxious to hear and want some of the messengers to come here and hold meetings. A Methodist minister preaches here once in two weeks. Yesterday he said in his discourse that the Advent ministers could not get any converts unless they went to places where the people did not understand their Bibles; but if they went where they did understand them, and had good common sense, they would not get any converts. I thank the Lord that the Sabbath-keepers take their Bibles for their guide, and do not teach for doctrines the commandments of men. O that the ministers, as well as people, would heed the warning message, and keep God's commandments while Jesus lingers in the heavenly Sanctuary, that they may escape the seven last plagues which will soon be poured upon those who refuse to humble themselves and keep God's holy Law. Should these lines meet the eyes of any who have given up the Sabbath, I would say to such that when I embraced the Sabbath I counted the cost, and saw that it would take all to win the prize. Why have you given it up? Did you let the Third Angel's Message have its sanctifying effect upon your heart? Did you have that sweet communion with God that you could feel his approving smiles from day to day? Be not deceived; unless you return you lose eternal life. What will your comfortable houses and large estates avail you, if you have not made a right use of them, in the solemn scenes that are just before you? I hope that none have had a rougher way to travel than I have had; but I have ever found the grace of God sufficient. When our eye is firmly fixed upon the prize, we do not notice so much the obstacles that are in our path. Dear brethren and sisters, be faithful a little longer, and victory will be yours. Pray for us that we may go through to the kingdom. O how cheering it would be to meet in the prayer-meeting with you, and also to hear some one present the truth. I have been trying to wait patiently God's time, and I believe that time has come when there will be an ear to hear and a heart to feel. Yours in hope of eternal life. Onondaga, Mich., July 6th, 1857.