p. 142 | FRANCES C. ROSS by Frances C. Ross

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 22, 1860

FRANCES C. ROSS

By Frances C. Ross

From Sister Ross.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Through the

providence of God I have recently been called into the present truth. How mysterious are his counsels, and his ways past finding out! I had thought that my mountain stood strong; but a mighty rushing wind passed by and strangely moved its foundations. You know the sweet psalmist David said, "If the foundations be destroyed what will the righteous do?" This seemed to be my position. The Sabbath troubled me exceedingly. It was a "stone of stumbling and a rock of offense." I did not know what to do with it. Once I told the Lord I could be an Adventist; but when I saw opposition with all its forces, friends near and dear taking it unkindly, I turned away. I thought I could not be an Adventist. I set my face as a flint in the other direction, and strove to drown my feelings. I had partially done so, when the tent was pitched very near my home. Bro. and sister White were in attendance. I felt little interest about going; but the tent was rather attractive with its flag of truce; or rather, "What is truth?" My curiosity was excited, and I thought I would go. I was pleased with Bro. and sister W., and could hardly think them impostors. I heard Bro. White preach on the Sabbath question. He swept the first-day Sabbath entirely away, just as Bro. Wheeler had done more than a year previous, in our place. I was not disobedient this time, but obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine that was delivered me.

I will try henceforth, my heavenly Father assisting me, to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Oh how I feel the need of help from above, while I make this profession before a gainsaying world. I have the privilege of attending meetings on the Sabbath, which I highly prize. We also have a weekly prayer-meeting and Bible class.

Bro. Cottrell's labors in our midst I trust have been to our furtherance and faith in the gospel. May he be one of that number that shall rejoice in the day of Christ—that they have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.

I feel to sympathize with the lone ones, who have none of like precious faith to meet with. May Israel's God supply all their need in Christ Jesus. I have kept the Sabbath since the tent-meeting,—over five months. It brings with it a cross that I never thought of before. It brings to view a narrow way, where I find that I must lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset me, and run with patience the race that is set before me, enduring the cross, despising the shame. It also brings to view the glories of another world. Oh how precious is the inheritance of the saints. There we shall see the King in his beauty. There they will all be righteous. Oh glorious home! Oh blessed rest!

FRANCES C. ROSS

Carlton, N. Y.