New Sabbath Keepers in Lodi
By Editor
Bro. Smith: Having of late commenced to keep the seventh day as the Sabbath, I feel a deep interest in those who are endeavoring to show by a well ordered life and a godly conversation, that they have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Our sympathies are extended to those who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, and request of them that they pray earnestly for the few in Lodi who have taken this stand, that we come off more than conquerors through39Jesus. We are few in number, for opposition is strong, and even some that seemed convinced when the tent was here, are now most bitter against us, and taunt us as being Jews, Mormons, &c., so that some who covenanted to keep the Sabbath have never fulfilled their vow. But we trust that good seed has been sown and taken root and springs upward. Our earnest desire is that we may grow in grace, and continue steadfast in the truth, and be delivered from all error and everything that would injure the progress of the truth, for those who shall be counted worthy to enter into the New Jerusalem must be pure and holy. Knowing all these things our desire is to enjoy more and more of the indwelling Spirit of God. I wish to make one inquiry: Do the messengers that are proclaiming the third angel's message, and the Seventh-day Adventists, believe and teach that the keeping of the Sabbath is the ground of a sinner's hope, without the glorious gospel, good news, glad tidings? The commission was to preach the gospel to every creature. Sometimes we hear of justification by faith alone. Luther lifted his powerful voice against works as a sinner's hope. But faith is not the gospel. Having faith in Jesus we are strong in the Lord; and saving faith will enable us to do our Father's will. As the result, works will follow. Note. As touching our sister's query, our position is well defined in the extract from Watson in another column, headed, "More Testimony."—Ed.