LETTERS by Martha Colburn

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 27, 1862

LETTERS.

By Martha Colburn

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

From Sister Colburn.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—For some time past I have felt that I ought to speak of what the Lord has done for me, to the praise and glory of his name. A little over a year since I knew nothing of the precious truths that are now the joy and rejoicing of my heart.

For more than twenty years I have been a professed follower of Jesus, trying to serve faithfully, yet not rendering (for some years) a joyous, loving service. Then came years of sickness, trial, darkness, and severe discipline; and blessed be the name of the Lord, Jesus was with me in the furnace, although I knew it not, and at last revealed himself gloriously, as an almighty ever present Saviour to give, moment by moment, grace and strength to overcome, and give victory continually over every besetment. My whole being was melted and subdued by love, and a new song was put into my mouth even praise and thanksgiving to God. Since then, (about eight years) the service of my heart to Jesus has been mostly a joyous one. Although far short of what it should have been, at times, yet it has been my greatest joy to please Jesus, and the turning away from the folly and fashion of the world, has oft times brought scorn and reproach.

I had no knowledge of the doctrines of the Bible, except as they were taught by Congregationalists and Baptists, never searching for myself, supposing that being ignorant I could not understand the Bible aright. I never really believed that people were in happiness or misery directly after death, and the idea of being a disembodied spirit ranging forever in boundless space was never any comfort to me. With this ignorance of the Bible, yet ever with an earnest longing to see Jesus and be like him, how like "cold water to a thirsty soul," were the teachings of the blessed word. In it I found man not immortal, the dead unconscious, the final destruction of the wicked, the saints inheritance, the earth made new, life and immortality only in Christ at his coming, and best of all, that his glorious appearing so near at hand, and hasting greatly. These things I learned by searching the Bible, while with the Adventists at Boston.

I came home overflowing with joy to tell to others the precious truths I had received, when I was led into the little band of Seventh-day Adventists in this vicinity. With them I soon saw the first and second messages of Rev. xiv, the Sanctuary and the Sabbath, and came into the third message with all my heart. I hesitated some time in regard to the visions, but do now most heartily receive, and thank the Lord for, them. The Lord bless brother and sister White more and more. I love the dear brethren and sisters who "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus."

The weekly visits of the Review cheer, encourage, and benefit me, while I earnestly desire to "be clothed with humility," to have "on the whole armor," to walk in love, to strive in such a way as to overcome continually, get just right, and go through into the everlasting kingdom. The Lord help us all, that at last we may stand together upon mount Zion with the Lamb.

Yours, looking for the blessed hope. MARTHA COLBURN.

Temple, N. H.