ELVIRA SANFORD by Elvira Sanford

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 18, 1862

ELVIRA SANFORD

By Elvira Sanford

From Sister Sanford.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I commenced to keep the Sabbath, and covenanted to walk with the remnant to mount Zion, about eight years ago. I rejoice when I look back and see what advancement has been made by the people of God since that time. Not only have numbers been added unto us, of such, I trust, as shall be saved, but progress has been made in other things. Systematic Benevolence has been presented, and adopted by most of the churches, which has added much to the spread of the truth. Organization has come up, though through much trial, to restore order and bless the church; and although I confess that when it was first presented I had strong doubts and forebodings as to its propriety, I now find that if we trust in God we need not try to steady the ark, but God will take care of that himself. I rejoice that it has been received by the church. The gifts also I hope and trust are being revived in the church; and although the straight testimony is plucking out right eyes and cutting off right hands, I feel that it is good, and that I am willing to be scored and hewed by it, until I am fit to be with God's people here, and to dwell with them in the kingdom. I know that the heart of man is deceitful above all things, but I do desire to be cleansed by the blood of Christ and made pure. I never before realized as I have of late what it is to be pure in the sight of God, to have dominion over ourselves, our hearts, and our tongues. James says, "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body." James iii, 2. I wish to become more pure, more upright, more like my Lord, that I may not be condemned when he appears.

Your sister striving to overcome.

ELVIRA SANFORD

Ashland, Dodge Co., Minn.