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S. M. SWAN

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 19, 1861

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 17, No. 18.

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S. M. SWAN

By S. M. Swan

From Sister Swan.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel to thank my heavenly Father for his tender mercy towards me, and especially that he has permitted me, though unworthy, to be identified with the little company who are looking and waiting for the return of their Lord. How consoling to the weary, wayworn pilgrim tossed by the waves of adversity, and buffeted by the temptations of Satan, is the promise of the Saviour, "If I go away I will come again," and doubly consoling the assurance that his coming is near, even at the door.
For several years past I have been much afflicted by sickness, and for the past year I have been much of the time entirely prostrated, and the sweet comfort which I have at times derived from the precious promises contained in the word of God is inexpressible. I have often been led to say with one of old, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted." I often have been led to praise the Lord for trials which at the time were very hard to bear, but which served to wean my affections from earthly objects, and cause me to long for the appearing of my Saviour.
O, my hard and wicked heart! how prone to cling to earthly objects, and how cold towards Him to whom I owe my heart's best affections. When I realize the unbounded love of the dear Saviour in giving his life, even suffering a painful death upon the cross, that we poor sinners might have eternal life, I am astonished that I can ever fail for one moment to love that precious Saviour with my whole heart.
"Lord, it is my chief complaint, That my love is weak and faint: Yet I love thee and adore, O for grace to love thee more."
There are three of us in this place who are keeping the Sabbath; also one family in Hunsburgh, and one in Montville who have never heard a lecture on present truth. We would be very glad to have a messenger come among us and spend a few weeks; but we feel to wait patiently, believing that in his own good time the Lord will cause the third angel's message to be proclaimed in this vicinity.

S. M. SWAN

Orwell, Ashtabula Co., Ohio,