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LETTERS

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 4, 1860

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 3.

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LETTERS.

By Elvira Sanford

“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”
From Sister Sanford.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I desire to cast in my mite if by any means I may glorify God, or help some soul that is struggling to be free. I was not quite fifteen when I gave myself to God, and experienced through Christ forgiveness of sin. I was filled with joy and peace in believing. About three years after, I united with the M. E. church, and soon began to feel that there was a greater blessing for me to enjoy, and I determined to have it. I struggled for months, and even years, but did not obtain it. I afterwards saw that it was because I lacked faith, simple, childlike faith. I saw the blessing at times almost within my grasp, and yet I could not claim the promise. When Jesus with Mary and Martha came to the grave of Lazarus, and Martha's faith began to fail as Jesus commanded the stone to be taken away, what was his answer?
“Said I not unto thee that if thou wouldst believe, thou shouldst see the glory of God?” John iv, 40. It is simple faith that claims the promise.
About twelve years ago I was enabled to exercise this faith, give up all, and received an evidence that I was fully accepted of God. Then I could
“With humble confidence draw nigh And Father, Abba Father, cry.”
For nine years I did not lose my confidence in God; and although I passed through some trying scenes, I could feel that he was my protector and friend, to whom I could go at all times and find comfort. I resolved in no case to indulge in known sin for a moment. When I saw light on the commandments of God, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood, but said in my heart, I will obey God rather than man. Glory to God for his great goodness in bringing me to see and obey the third angel's message.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us arise and put on holiness, that we may be clothed with it as with a garment, and be prepared to speed on the message until all the honest shall be gathered in. O that our all, time, talent, and substance were on the altar a consuming sacrifice. About three years ago, I with my family removed to Minnesota. The care and perplexity of moving with a large family, and above all, the repugnance I felt to coming here threw me off my watch, and before I was aware of it I was in great darkness. For a time I knew not what to do. Strong temptations spread themselves in my way, and there seemed no way of escape. Still I hung on to the arm of the Lord and struggled for relief, and prayed God that he would by some means cause me again to cast my care on him. Affliction came, and in the hour of deep trial, when all other help failed, I was enabled again to fly to my sure refuge and was safe. O what a rock of protection our God is to those who place themselves beneath the shadow of his wing! I again felt the evidence that I was accepted of him, and although I am an unworthy child, I expect henceforth to strive to obey him, knowing that if we sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
Although since my fall I have not attained to that fullness in Christ that I desire, though clouds of darkness at times surround me, yet there is almost always an open space through which faith reaches to that within the veil and claims the promise. And though I am weak, I feel that some at least of the Christian graces are planted in my mind. O that we may all feel the necessity of that holiness, without which no man can see the Lord.
Your sister striving by patient continuance in well doing to seek for glory, and immortality. ELVIRA SANFORD.
Ashland, Minn., Nov. 1860.