Strength for Isolated Sabbath-Keepers
Sister L. C. Tolhurst writes from Copopa, Lorrain, Ohio: ‐God has, in his providence, cast my lot remote from Sabbath-keepers. One sister and myself have only the Review for our preacher. How often we feel the need of the strengthening influences of those that are striving to keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Jesus. My heavenly Father knows what is best. I pray that I may be taught to lean upon the almighty arm of God. We are told that vain is the help of man. Again; that the Lord never will leave nor forsake the weakest child of his if they put their trust in him. Precious promise. Let us exalt his holy name by surrendering ourselves and all our interests into his hands, saying, Lord take the lead of our minds, control our every-day affairs, that we may keep the eye single, and receive of the refreshing which our heavenly Father has promised to the faithful ones. I have long felt the need of entire consecration, and often have felt that I had surrendered all. Cruel unbelief will come in and tell me that something is reserved. Sister Steward’s experience in Review, No. 11, has given me a clear distinction between temptation and willful sin. Since visiting Battle Creek in the spring, one of the many ways in which Satan has buffeted me is in making me think that wrong thoughts were sin; and how often in making me think that I had not evidence enough of my acceptance with God. How comforting to know that Jesus was tempted in all points like us, and that without sin: showing us that if we, like good soldiers do resist and struggle, by and by the conqueror’s crown we shall wear. What peace and comfort is brought to light in the preaching of the third angel’s message. The peace that Jesus gives, the world can neither give nor take away. ‐The nations of the earth have been brought down in the fulfillment of prophecy, and we, a favored people, standing just previous to the second advent of our Saviour, are permitted to see the broken law of God and return cheerfully to the Sabbath which God in the beginning set apart, blessed and sanctified, keeping it himself. When all these things have their full weight upon the heart, it is enough to fill the soul with joy unspeakable. Brethren and sisters, let us arise and struggle for the victory before Jesus passes by and gives our crown to another. I long to have my heart filled with the Spirit of God, wheu this body may indeed be a fit temple for the Holy Ghost.”