Keeping All God’s Commandments
By Jacob Decker
Bro. Smith: It is about six months since I have tried to keep all of God's commandments; for I believe them to be sure. It is about four years since I came to the conclusion to take the Bible for my guide. Whatever it says I am willing to obey, and let the doctrines of men fall to the ground. I was formerly built up in the Lutheran faith, but when I came to examine my creed, I found it very different from the word of the Lord. There are but five in this entire neighborhood that are striving to keep all of God's commandments. Our opposers are very strong and numerous. There are some here who tell us we are right, and that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord; but I think they are afraid of becoming unpopular with the world. O let us be careful. Christ says, He that is ashamed of me, of him will I be ashamed also. Bro. Hull has frequently labored with us the past winter and spring. Brn. Brinkerhoof and Saunders have started out into the field. May the Lord bless and give them grace that they may be able to proclaim the truth as it is in Jesus. O that the Lord may send more laborers into the field. The Review has found the way through to us, and we feel truly thankful to read it. I am glad to hear from the brethren and sisters abroad. It is my earnest desire to be one of the little flock spoken of in Rev. xiv, 12. Here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Yours truly,
Jacob Decker. Clark Co., Iowa, July 10th, 1858.