Alone in Keeping the Sabbath
By Sarah J. Voorus
BRO. SMITH: While reading in the Review concerning the rise and progress of the present truth, it brought to my mind the time when I embraced it. It was in 1852, when brother and sister White were on their way to Rochester. They passed through Manlius, near where I then resided. Others were at that time almost persuaded to walk in the way of the commandments, but have since turned back. Although left alone in my father's family to keep the Sabbath, I praise the Lord he has thus far given me grace sufficient. I sincerely need the eye-salve that I may discern the right path to walk in, for strait and narrow is the way that leads to life. I think I have of late made some little progress in obtaining the tried gold. I have had many trials, but hope it will only burn the dross and leave me better prepared to enjoy the society of the blest. I could hardly be reconciled to the disappointment of not meeting with the brethren in La Porte, as I live only eleven miles from there, but did not know of the appointment till I read brother Bates' letter of Jan. 14th. But if it is not my lot to meet with any of like faith while on earth, why should I not be reconciled to it and say, not my will O Lord, but thine be done. Brethren and sisters, I feel that I need your prayers. We read that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much. I think there are those between New Buffalo and La Porte who would hear and receive the truth. I have been reproved for not uniting with the different churches in their meetings, but I remember where David says, "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." SARAH J. VOORUS.
New Buffalo, Mich., Jan. 25th, 1858.