MARIA MCCLAFLIN

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

From Sister McClaflin.

Bro. Smith: How it rejoices my heart to read in the Review the rich experiences of full and free salvation. It is meat in due season. What encouragement to the soul longing and panting for the rest; not rest from labor, care and toil, but a calm rest in God through faith in the precious promises, which, to those who claim them, are so many gems. On such deep water how easy to sail. The bark may be frail, and sometimes the waves may seem to roll almost mountain high, but we know that our Father is at the helm. Having full faith and confidence in him, how securely we ride! Those, and those only, who have experiences in this sweet rest in God, know its value.

How I do thank the Lord for his promises, and that he ever called me out from the rubbish of the world. O I feel to magnify his name. May we ever keep our eye on the mark, for none but the pure in heart shall see God. Let us try by the grace of God, try to be sanctified through the truth. I see the importance of my watching over self, lest I enter into temptation. I feel like a babe in Christ, for it was only last spring that I first heard of the seventh-day Sabbath. I do thank God that he showed me the importance of keeping his sacred day. How often I feel to say, Praise the Lord, O my soul! May we have that living faith that comes from God alone. The Lord help us to keep our feet on the rock Christ Jesus, that our faith fail not. How good the Lord is! He does not call the rich and high-born alone, but "Come unto me all ye ends of the earth," is his glorious invitation.

Our little company is increasing in number and in spirit. The Lord is with the little few in this place. May the Lord help me to be faithful, that I with the rest of you may have a right to the tree of life, and enter through the gates into the city.

MARIA MCCLAFLIN

North Troy, Vt.