A Daily, Living Experience
Sister L. Priest writes from Clinton, Mass.: "We still believe that the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus is the present truth. We are satisfied that we are not in the place we should be. Our faith is not in lively exercise. Our hearts are cold to what they should be. We are sure the enemy has bound us with strong fetters, and fain would keep us down, desponding and discouraged; but we call to mind the former days when we were illuminated. We remember different periods of time when for months we have had the assurance day by day that we were striving to do the will of God. When we visited our closets (which was often), it seemed like holding communion with a friend face to face. We sigh to be there again, satisfied that a past experience without a daily, living experience will avail us nothing in the things of God now. Our daily cry is, Create within us clean hearts, and renew right spirits within us. "O how I long to be cleansed from every secret sin! While reading Spiritual Gifts, Vol. ii, I have felt deeply the importance of being a whole-hearted Christian. If pure love for Jesus prompts us to action, we shall have help to double our diligence; if any other motive actuates us, we shall fail. I feel ashamed, that after Jesus has done so much for me, I am so lukewarm and indifferent in his service, so often distrust his goodness, when he has been so merciful to me. He has once more condescended to answer the earnest cries of his people in my behalf. My life is spared and I am enjoying a comfortable degree of health. Of all his creatures I feel that none have more reason to love and serve him with their undivided affections than myself. The Lord helping me I am resolved to continue to search my heart, make thorough work, and if possible, be among the spotless ones when Jesus comes. O who will stand the trying test! who will endure to the end! Clean hands and pure hearts. O Jesus, make me pure and spotless, fit to stand the grand review. The church in this vicinity are in a low, discouraged condition, but there are some hearts sighing for a deeper work of grace, knowing this to be the only way for the church to arise. We are glad to hear of the prosperity of different churches in the West, and for the union that seems to exist among the brethren. Our earnest prayer is that God will bless and prosper those laboring in this great work. By and by the victory will be won, and they will reap a rich reward. Every sacrifice of time, strength, feelings, all are remembered. I expect all who engage in this great work who faint not, will have crowns with many stars as their reward."