LETTERS by Omira M. Gray

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 6, 1861

LETTERS.

By Omira M. Gray

“Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another.”

From Sr. Gray.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: With your permission I wish to make known through the Review to the saints scattered abroad, the position I now occupy with regard to the truths you advocate. I am, through the mercy of God and the influence of those whom I believe to be his approved messengers, standing upon the broad platform of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. One year ago last June I stood identified with the Baptist church at Marion, having united with that church with a sincere desire to do the will of God, and to aid in the promotion of the cause of our Redeemer. I had watched the progress of that and the other denominations with which I was surrounded with the deepest interest; and while I had hoped to see the church become a light to the world, and longed to see it shine forth in all its primitive simplicity and purity, with regret I saw that it was becoming more and more conformed to the world; seeking popularity, nourishing pride, formality, and everything of this kind which has a tendency to depress the spirits of those who would rise, and to hinder the progress of the religion of Jesus. Such a spiritual dearth pervaded the church that it seemed that its highest aspiration was the honor of this world. My heart was made sad when I saw the desolation of Zion; and when the Lord sent Bro. Cornell to our town, and he told us plainly of these things, it needed not to be proved: the experience of every true christian must have borne witness to its truth. And while he taught from the fulfillment of prophecy that we were in the last days, that the time of the second advent of our Saviour was near, he also taught us plainly from the sacred Scriptures that we were not keeping all the commandments of God. He demonstrated clearly to our minds, that each of the ten commandments given on mount Sinai is now binding on all men, and proved his position by such pointed testimony, that the whole clergy of Marion could not gainsay it. It is needless for me to say that the whole town and country were stirred up: for the result of that meeting is generally known, and the church in Marion, standing as a light to the world, will, I trust, ever remain a living monument of the great power of the glorious truth of God.

Having been one of that favored company who was enabled to see the light of present truth, I am, after one year's experience, still rejoicing that I have found a people who are striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,—a people who seek not the honor of this world, but whose chief object is the salvation of souls and the advancement of the cause of our divine Lord. I think myself happy to be numbered with such a people. O what gratitude do we not owe to God! We have been encouraged by the way, and our hearts have been made to rejoice at times, through the labors of Bro. B. F. Snook, and other messengers of the cross. Our course is still onward.

We feel the necessity of entire consecration to God, and are determined, the grace of God assisting us, to try to have on the whole armor, that we may be prepared for the conflict of life, and for the final test.

In hope of life when Jesus comes.

OMIRA M. GRAY.

Marion, Iowa.