p. 127 | A Testimony of Faith by M. M. Nelson

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 8, 1860

A Testimony of Faith

By M. M. Nelson

From Sister Nelson.

BRO. SMITH: I feel to-day like the psalmist when he said, Draw near all ye that fear the Lord and I will tell you what he hath done for my soul. I have been led to see that my heart was not all given up to Christ. I had an outward conformity to his word, and have enjoyed in times past some of the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit, and through the past summer and fall have been striving to open the door of my heart and let the blessed Saviour in; but the Lord has shown me that I have been striving too much in my own strength, and looking too much at my own good works, and not feeling my entire dependence on God. I can now see clearly that it is the blood of Christ which cleanseth from all sin; not by works of righteousness which we have done, but the righteousness which is of God by faith. I have been enabled to cast myself entirely upon the mercy of my heavenly Father and to submit myself into his hand to be guided and governed by his holy will, and he has enabled me to open the door of my heart to the dear Saviour. O what condescension, what love hath the Father bestowed on us that we should be called the sons of God! O that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, for his wonderful works to the children of men!

I have had the blessed privilege of hearing the gospel preached by Bro. Sanborn at Mackford. I truly felt that it was accompanied by the demonstration of the Spirit and with power. He was enabled to bring forth things both new and old out of the treasures of God's word, and to give to every one a portion of meat in due season. I was led to wonder why all could not see the great beauty there is in God's plan of salvation. O how perfect and complete is the law of God, and how perfectly the law and gospel harmonize. I praise the name of the Lord that he has shown me these great truths and given me a heart to obey them in some degree, that I have felt some of their sanctifying influence.

Brethren and sisters, is it not high time that we come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and that we gird on the whole armor of God, and prepare ourselves for his coming, that we begin to labor in his vineyard? Methinks if we were all awake as we should be, our dear Bro. Smith would not be obliged to borrow so much matter for the Review. I have long regretted this, but thought that my talents were so small I could not do any good by writing; but I remember that our Saviour taught us to improve them if we had only one, that when he comes he may receive his own with usury. When our hearts are filled with the love of God, I think we may speak words of encouragement to each other, though in much weakness.

I have long been looking at the subject of holiness, and have desired to see more written upon the subject in our paper. Some pieces which have been written were food indeed to my soul, sweeter than honey or the honey comb. I would ask the prayers of the dear brethren and sisters in the Lord that I may keep humble, trust in his wisdom to guide me, that he may work in me both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

There are none of my friends or kindred according to the flesh that believe in the present truth, but I humbly trust that the Lord will open the eyes of some of them at least and bring them to a knowledge of the truth. How it would rejoice my heart to see them keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. That the time may soon come when the professed people of God may all be filled with his Holy Spirit is the prayer of your unworthy sister in Christ. M. M. NELSON. Green Lake, Wis.