The Sinner’s Need of Christ
Bro. Z. Marsh writes from Northfield, Mass.: "As I have seen none of like faith for several years, I have concluded to send my testimony to the brethren through the Review. I am still trying to live the life of the righteous, and striving to keep the commandments of God, and trust I have the faith of Jesus; but then I find that the commandments of God are exceeding broad, that they extend even to the thoughts and intentions of the heart, and if we fall in one point, we are guilty of all. How then can such an unworthy sinner as I am be saved? But again I look and see Jesus on the cross making amends for those that have broken God's law, and offering them eternal life through the gospel, and I find that he did not die for the righteous, but for just such a poor sinner as I am. But here again I am in trouble unless I forsake all my sins; for we read that he that confesseth and forsakeeth shall find mercy; now, then, there is mercy for me if I have forsaken, or shall forsake; but here the law of the Lord is so very broad, and my human nature so very corrupt, that I cannot without the help of the Spirit of God, forsake my sins. But thanks be to God, he is able and willing to help just such as we are; but he will be sought to by the house of Israel to do these things for us; but it is not a bare form of words that will answer. We must have the sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit. Glory to God, I feel that I am the Lord's free man, and not as some in these parts tell us, who say that if we keep the commandments we are in bondage. "In order to be fully sanctified we must keep all these moral precepts from the heart, which I of myself cannot do; but through Christ's grace strengthening me I feel that I can; and through the sanctifying and preserving influence of the Spirit of God I now feel that we are abundantly able to go up and possess the promised land. But we must consider that not all that came out of Egypt entered Canaan, but only Caleb and Joshua went in. These things were for our examples. Dear brethren and sisters, let us in view of these things strive to enter in at the straight gate, and let us exhort one another daily, and so much the more as we see the day approaching."