Pressing Onward in Present Truth
By L. M. Gates
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I do truly feel encouraged to press my way onward and stand with you on mount Zion. Heaven is worth striving for, and I fully believe that we are well able to go up in the name and strength of the "Captain of our salvation" and posess that goodly land. I have for many years been a member of an orthodox church, but it is only about ten months since I was led to embrace the truths of the third angel's message. I am entirely alone, being far removed from any of like precious faith; still I do cherish humble hope that Jesus will not overlook me when he comes, but that I shall be one of that blessed company that shall have part in the first resurrection. I have never heard a sermon on the present truth till a few weeks ago while on a visit to a relative in Mauston. I heard brother Phelps preach to the church in that vicinity three times. I felt that his words were indeed meat in due season to my hungry, thirsty soul. But I am not satisfied with my present attainments, I ardently desire a deeper work of grace wrought in my heart. I want to make a more entire consecration of myself, and all my interests to the service of God. I want to love the Lord Jesus, and heaven, and holiness, with a deeper love, and to hate sin with a more perfect hatred. Oh that I might get just right before the Lord. Oh that I might more fully appreciate the blessings of the holy Sabbath. Do we, those of us who are heads of families, and are of necessity obliged to labor almost incessantly during the six days, so that there is little time left us for reading and private meditation, do we, I ask, prize this blessed institution as we ought? How often does there come to many of us a time when the world seems to darken around us, when the eyes are heavy with the weight of unshed tears, and the brow aches beneath its burden of sad thoughts, when the din of ceaseless duties has dulled the mental ear, and the ever recurring round of business dimmed the intellectual vision; and what would become of the over-wrought body and weary mind were there not one day in seven set apart as a respite from the care and turmoil of the present life? Oh blessed boon to mortals given! Welcome, thrice welcome the holy hour that ushers in the hallowed Sabbath eve, with its soothing, sanctifying influence on the care-worn heart; when we may lay earth's cares all aside, and bow in humble adoration before Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is, and hold sweet communion with our great High Priest from off the mercy seat. It is truly a consolation to know that the lonely ones have the prayers of the church. Yours, seeking for eternal life.