p. 183 | LETTERS | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 26, 1860

LETTERS.

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."

From Sister Shaw.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I can say that goodness and mercy have followed me all the days of my life. It is now about three months since myself and husband were permitted to hear Bro. Sanborn lecture upon present truth, and it seems, if I may so speak, to prove the crowning blessing of our lives. Relying upon God for help, we are striving to make a wise improvement upon what we then heard. We are trying to keep all the commandments. We find peace in believing, and great joy in obeying. I can say of a truth, the yoke of Christ is easy and his burden light. Although we meet with some opposition, yet I feel to rejoice when I think it is for Christ's sake; for of a truth we can say, If we are of God the world will hate us, for the world but loves its own. But the frown of the world, how small when compared to the smile of our heavenly Father! As the lesser lights of heaven sink into obscurity at the approach of the sun, so all the troubles and trials of this life fall into the shade at the approach of divine approbation.

Dear friends, I have this approbation; it is this that makes me free; and I feel to stand fast, looking unto Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith.

It is now about three years since I made a public profession of religion, and at times I have enjoyed much of the love of God; but not standing upon the commandments, or the entire word of God I often found myself in the fog; but in strict obedience to all the commandments I find I have the sure possession as well as profession. I can say, The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. I had for a long time noticed the abounding of iniquity, and in spirit I had sighed for the examples of Christianity of the time of my childhood. We then did not see Christians aiming for the height of fashion, however ridiculous, neither were our ministers joined hand in hand with the world, but in a great degree did they strive to keep themselves unspotted from the world. Now it verily seems that clergy and laymen have nearly all gone astray, they have hewn to themselves broken cisterns which will hold no water. There is, as they think, such improvement, such high cultivation at present, that it makes the meek and humble principles of Christ look most too humble; they must color and paint them before they will do.

But I must leave this, with a prayer that God may show them that the Bible and its doctrines, which is in and of itself pure, is not to be improved upon by fallen man. May we all remember that we are to enter the fold by the door, and that whosoever climbs up any other way, the same is a thief and a robber; and being such can in no wise enter through those pearly gates. Only the righteous nation who has feared God and kept his law will enter there. While I write a sense of my own unworthiness arises before me; but Christ is worthy; he is my Friend, my Mediator. Pray for me, dear friends, that I may be made worthy, that I may keep myself unspotted from the world, and adorn my profession with a well ordered life and a godly conversation. Christian friends, let us go forward, forgetting all things earthly, and with our hearts and hopes in heaven.

Seeking fellowship with his sufferings, Following him through weal or wo, We are citizens of heaven— Forward, brethren, let us go.

In his love, which is unbounded, May we love each other now, Watching for his bright appearing. Forward, brethren, let us go.

FRANCES A. SHAW.

Roxbury, Wis.