JULIA A. DAYTON by Julia A. Dayton

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 13, 1861

JULIA A. DAYTON

By Julia A. Dayton

From Sister Dayton.

DEAR BRO. WHITE: It is now a little more than four months since I embraced the Advent doctrine and commenced to keep the holy Sabbath of the Lord. At that time I began to take the Review, and as my heart has been gladdened from week to week by its precious truths, and the cheering letters from the dear saints scattered abroad, I have often felt an earnest desire to throw in my testimony with theirs on the Lord's side, and thus bear a humble part among those who speak often one to another.

When Brn. Cornell and Lawrence came to this place six months ago, I was wasting my inheritance like the prodigal, and spending my time in the follies and pleasures of the world, and though the solemn truths of the third angel's message seemed very plain to me, my stubborn heart refused to yield until the lectures were nearly closed, when I resolved to seek my Father's house, and truly felt to say, Make me but as one of thy hired servants. My heart is filled with thankfulness to God for the loving-kindness and tender mercies toward me in permitting me to hear those saving truths, and I praise his holy name that I had a heart to obey them. I feel that the cause of present truth is near and dear to me, and I rejoice for the witness that I have passed from death unto life, inasmuch as I truly love God's people. Their joy makes me rejoice, and when they mourn I am grieved. I am striving to overcome sin, and it is my chief desire that I may be enabled by God's assisting grace to lay aside every weight, and put on the whole armor of God, and with patience endure to the end. I long to be filled with the Spirit that was in Christ, that I may be prepared for that glorious day when he will come to gather his ransomed ones home, for I want a share with the dear remnant in singing the songs of Zion. The way grows narrow, and new difficulties rise as I journey onward, but I feel to give up all for Christ, and willingly endure the frowns and scorn of the world, having a hope that maketh not ashamed.

There are but a few here who keep the holy

Sabbath, but there are enough to claim God's blessed promises to those who serve him in Spirit and in truth. We were much cheered and strengthened by a visit from Bro. Bates, and have organized a Sabbath-school and Bible-class, which prove very interesting and profitable. We have a prayer-meeting on the Sabbath, also on Wednesday-evening, and feel united in adopting Systematic Benevolence. We realize that to win the crown we must bear the cross. We are trying to arise and press forward in the work, and feel the deep responsibility that rests upon those who are striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We hope to have the prayers of God's people, and, suffering with them here to rejoice with them hereafter, knowing he is faithful who has promised.

Yours in hope of eternal life,

JULIA A. DAYTON

Chesaning, Mich.