Sanctified by the Truth
By C. W. Olds
BRO. SMITH: With feelings of gratitude to my heavenly Father for his mercy and goodness toward me in permitting me to see his saving truth, and the relation we sustain one toward another, I feel it a privilege to say a few words. It is now some over one year since the message was first sounded in this place by Bro. Sanborn. The result was that some forty were caused to see that they were sinners, and trampling on God's commandments. Since that time they have been trying to keep all of them and the faith of Jesus, and to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. The longer I live and have to do with the things of the world, the more I see that it is the time of patience. I find that a belief in the truth is not all that is necessary, but we need to be sanctified by it as Jesus says, "You are not of the world; for I have chosen you out of the world: therefore the world hateth you." John xv, 19. But the question might be asked, What is meant by the words "out of the world?" Surely the Saviour did not mean for us to understand that we must literally go out of it. No, he did not; but they are not of the world even as he was not of the world. John xvii, 16. The Saviour prayed not that God would take them out of the world, but that he would keep them from the evil. John xvii, 15. O brethren, may our Lord's word's be fulfilled in us. May we put forth all our efforts that they may, in this time of trouble, when wicked men and seducers are so prevalent in our land. Yes, we must overcome the world if we would see Jesus in peace. How many things we have to overcome! How many habits we have which are not pleasing in the sight of God. Then shall we still persist in the way that we know is not to the glory of God? How can we and still claim his blessing? O those idle words that we have been in the habit of indulging in, those more than useless ones which so often drive the Holy Spirit from our hearts! What! not one idle word! No, not one; for for every idle word we shall be brought to an account. I had been in the habit of using tobacco for fifteen years, but I saw that it was a filthy habit, and by the help of the Lord I have laid it away, and purpose never more to defile myself with it. God will not bless his people if they do not try to help themselves, and with Bro. Sanborn in Review No. 26, Vol. 17, I can say, I do not believe that man or woman can use the filthy weed tobacco to the glory of God. The brethren were very much pleased when they saw the notice in the paper for Bro. and Sr. White to visit us, but were disappointed in not seeing them. The brethren and sisters were much revived by Bro. Shortridge's preaching, and one more acknowledged all of God's commandments, and took a stand with the remnant people to go with them to mount Zion. May God help Bro. S. to be successful in his labors, as we have no doubt he will. We feel thankful to God for sending him this way. May the Lord help us all to rise with the message, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that are coming on the earth. From your brother striving to overcome.