M. E. DARLING by M. E. Darling

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Sep 8, 1863

M. E. DARLING

By M. E. Darling

From Sister Darling.

DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: As I read the pages of the Review, and hear from week to week of the dealings of the Lord with his people, I feel to rejoice, and hope that the time is not distant when the remnant shall stand complete. I rejoice, and yet I fear; for the enemy is raging to devour, knowing that his time is short. Satan has power to transform himself into an angel of light, to deceive if it were possible the very elect. But, thank God, it will not be possible. Oh how does it devolve upon us in prayer and watchfulness to make our calling and election sure; never to parlay with the enemy but to run the Christian race, and run to win.

A little turning aside from the commands of God, a little sacrificing on the altar of self, or holding back from rendering unto God the things that are his, will grieve the Holy Spirit, weaken our faith and devotion, and greatly mar our influence for the truth, while it opens the way for the enemy more effectually to deceive and lead us astray. O for a spirit of willingness, of earnestness in the cause of the Lord, that will say not, What must I do in order to be an overcomer; but, What can I do, what may I do, for God, and for Christ who has suffered so much for me, and what for my fellow creatures for whom Christ died. "He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly." O for a bountiful harvest—to be more than conquerers through him that hath loved us! "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." 1 Jno. iii, 16.

There are eight of us in this vicinity who are endeavoring to keep God's holy Sabbath, and looking for the appearing of his Son from heaven. Although scattered, living several miles apart, we esteem it a privilege to come together for the worship of God on the day that he has blessed. Our prayer is that the Lord may add to our number of such as shall be saved.

We want to be faithful and keep all of God's commandments that we may see clearly the light of his truth; for we read, "The wise shall understand;" and again, "Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Rev. xxii, 14. Thank God for the exceeding great and precious promises which his word contains. The goodly land is just before, and are we not abundantly able to go up and posess it?

"Haste my dull soul, arise, Shake off thy care Press to thy native skies Mighty in prayer. Christ he has gone before, Count all thy sufferings o'er He all thy burden bore, Jesus is there."

M. E. DARLING

Beaver, Minn. Aug. 11, 1863.