Rising From a Lukewarm State
By Cornelia Rice
Bro. Smith: Three years ago last Fall I embraced the Sabbath, but how slow of heart have I been to believe all that the prophets have spoken concerning these last days. The message to the Laodiceans I knew found me in a cold state, but yet I felt no strength to rise. I had, as a means of policy to get them to see the light, commingled with and held on to, the old churches; but through the past Summer119and Fall, I felt a desire to rise from my lukewarm state. I knew that to step out on present truth would bring a war. I can say I prayed much, and sometimes with faith, that God would arm me for the conflict; for I began to realize if the battle never came, the victory was never won. Last September, my husband and myself attended a meeting on the Sabbath, at Mill Grove. Bro. Wheeler was present. That is the only Sabbath I have attended meeting with brethren in the present truth for two years and a half; but it gave strength to my soul, and I looked for God to send some messenger this way. I felt very anxious that Bro. Byington might visit us, and often have prayed God to impress his mind to come this way. Some six weeks ago Bro. Cottrell came here and spent the Sabbath. A meeting was appointed for the evening after the Sabbath, and First-day. A goodly number attended, and gave good heed to the Word. Say they, "He preaches nothing but Bible, and that cannot hurt us." He came again in two weeks, then in one week, and again last First-day. Quite a number I think are convinced of the truth of the prophecies and of the Sabbath of the Lord. But now comes the tug of war. The sabbath of the Pope is assailed, and its advocates rally to sustain it. Those who feel unable to meet the keen edge of truth with which they have already been wounded, withdraw from the field, and shield themselves behind the battery of their more learned ones; but I do think the seed will take root in some honest hearts. My husband has commenced keeping the Sabbath. As for myself, I can say, the Lord hath done great things for me. I never before took a parting hand with the world. O I do desire that my pen, my tongue, my hand, my substance, my whole being may be made serviceable to God. And now if brother Byington can come and spend a few weeks with us in this section we wish he would. Brother Cottrell cannot be here again at present. I am looking hourly to the great Shepherd to direct in regard to this people. My mind often rests on Bro. Ingraham. Can he not spend a short time in these parts? Brethren, pray for us, and may we use prevailing prayer. Your sister striving to overcome.
CORNELIA RICE.
Folsomdale, N. Y., Feb. 4th, 1858.