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SARAH M. SWAN

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 16, 1857

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 9, No. 24.

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SARAH M. SWAN

By Sarah M. Swan

From Sister Swan.

BRO. SMITH: My heart has been often cheered, and many an otherwise lonely hour has been beguiled by reading the excellent communications in the Review from the dear brethren and sisters, and I have felt constrained to write a few lines, as I know that the people of God love to hear especially from the scattered and lonely ones.
It has been over two years since I have been permitted to see any one who is trying to keep the commandments of God. I am surrounded only by those whose god is the world, and who care for none of these things. O that I could feel that in all my interviews with those around me, I had been as faithful as I ought, so that I could say with Paul, "I am free from the blood of all men, for I have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God." But it is not so. When I look back, I see that my course ismarked with unfaithfulness; that what feeble efforts I have made to enlighten others with regard to Bible truth, have not been made with a due sense of the importance of the present time.
I do feel that I want to heed the counsel of the dear Saviour, to be zealous and repent, shake myself from the slumber which has so long been creeping over me, renounce the world, die to sin, and be made alive to God. Dear brethren and sisters, will you not remember in your prayers one who feels that she is the most unworthy of you all.
I have felt for some time an anxiety that the truth might be preached in this place. I think that the message has never been proclaimed in the eastern part of Ohio, and may not the Lord have jewels even in this vicinity, who may yet be gathered in. Could not Bro. Bates, or some other brother who is passing on the Lake Shore Rail Road, call here and spend a few days? We live twenty-five miles from Ashtabula Depot. There is a chance to come from Ashtabula to Orwell, four miles from us, or to Colebrook, three and a half miles from us, in the stage every day in the week, Sundays excepted. May the Lord direct, and send by whom he will, is the prayer of your unworthy sister.

SARAH M. SWAN

Orwell, March 21st, 1857.