A Testimony from Portage
By C. Van Gorder
Dear Brethren and Sisters: It has been about one year and a half since my companion and I commenced trying to keep all of God's commandments. We had never heard any advent preacher. Bro. Holt delivered a course of lectures in our place a few months before, but we did not attend, and as seekers for truth we had no desire to attend. But in all our darkness we were not forgotten. Bro. and Sr. Clarke visited us often and finally convinced us that we were violating the Lord's Sabbath. We now feel to praise the Lord for leading us into the present truth. Dear brethren and sisters, do we fully realize that we are living under the sound of the Third Angel's message? If we do, let us all engage in the work. Though trials and temptations surround us we must not get discouraged, but remember to cast all our cares upon the Lord, for we know he careth for us. We must not murmur and distrust God if we see others prosper while we are afflicted; for God will have a tried people. And let us ever keep in mind that it is through much tribulation we enter the kingdom of heaven. It rejoices me to hear from the dear brethren and sisters that are striving to overcome. Your sister,
Portage, Ohio, April 25th, 1859.