The Truth Spreading Through the Community
By L. W. Simms
Bro. Smith: I feel anxious to testify my gratitude to my Heavenly Father, that I am counted worthy to be numbered among those who are keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And also, that whereas I have been alone in the belief of the present truth, there are now not far from twenty believers, my husband not excepted. The Lord has been at work for us here. We have been favored for the first time in this place, in listening to a series of lectures on the perpetuity of the law, by Bro. T. M. Steward, who presented the truths of the Bible in so clear and plain a manner, that many listeners were constrained to acknowledge the truth. He was called191away too soon. We hope, God in his providence will prosper him, and enable him to return. The leaven of truth is already working, and my prayer is that it may work until the whole lump may be leavened. We trust that some are beginning to see the necessity of entire consecration, and are striving for holiness of heart, viewing the straitness of the way as never before. O how good the Lord is, to correct our errors and faults, that we may confess and forsake them, and be fitted for his everlasting kingdom. Yes, dear brethren and sisters, I praise the Lord, that as I hope for eternal life beyond this vale of tears, I expect it only by complying with the requirements of the gospel, through grace, through keeping the ten commandments, of which the Sabbath is one. A great blessing was pronounced upon the seventh day. Although this cause subjects us to many trials, and to endure the frowns and scorn of many loved ones, yet who that wishes to enjoy the blessings with which the pathway of the just is strewn, and an eternal home in glory where Jesus reigns, who, I say that believes this, would not rather suffer pain and shame for Christ's sake, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season? This glorious truth I believe is drawing the separating line between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not. I believe that God has set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, and that very soon his great work will be finished. Then "he that is righteous let him be righteous still, and he that is filthy let him be filthy still." O I feel in view of this scene a deep sense of my utter unworthiness. I need much to fit me to stand before the Son of God in peace. We must be holy. I can only pray, Lord put forth thy helping hand and save from delusion, thy people from all sin, and so shall we follow on to know Thee more perfectly, whom to know aright is life and peace. L. W. SIMMS.
Melrose, Wis.