A Recently Embraced Faith
By Mrs. E. A. Dike
Bro. White: I have been thinking for a few days past that I would like to speak a few words through the Review, which is a volume I love above all others except my Bible; and if I thought I could say anything that would cheer even one lone heart, as I have been cheered and encouraged by reading the blessed truths, and the testimonies from the brethren and sisters, how gladly would I do it. Although but recently since I first heard and embraced the truth, how I have learned to love it. It is food when hungry, and drink when thirsty. When I look back upon the past and think how sinful and vain I have been through all the better part of my life, I can but mourn and regret that I had not known these truths before, and been better acquainted with them now; but I am determined, God's grace assisting me, to search them out, and live them out to the very letter, that I may be accounted worthy to be among that number that shall be found without spot or wrinkle or any such thing when Jesus shall come to take his ransomed ones home. I praise God for the blessed privilege which I have enjoyed of late; for since the tent was first pitched in the vicinity of Wellsville, I have attended every Sabbath and first-day and have heard such truths proclaimed from the sacred word of God as I never heard before; and while I reflect and lament, because I had not heard these things before, my mind is carried away to the vast throng, that are pursuing the broad road to destruction, and will not avail themselves of the opportunity of hearing and learning what truth is, even when it is brought as it were to their very doors. O may God have mercy on such is my prayer, and may they see their errors before it shall be forever too late. I thank the Lord that he has directed Brn. Andrews and Fuller to these parts, and sincerely hope that their labors may be attended with success, and O may the Lord help the church to work too while they have help. Brethren and sisters, let us all work together for the upbuilding of the church, and for the salvation of souls. Let us put on the whole armor and fight manfully the battles of the Lord. Let us pray earnestly and fervently. Let us live soberly and righteously before God, and pray without ceasing, realizing that time is short, the harvest is great, and the laborers are few. I trust that God is at the head of this work and whatever is done to his name's glory, will be attended with success. Then let us take courage and toil earnestly for the good of souls, that all the honest in heart may be reached, and embrace the truth, as it is in Christ Jesus, and be sheltered in the day of God's awful wrath, that is soon coming on the earth, and upon all those that know not God, nor do his commandments. Dear reader, if any should chance to read this short epistle who are yet in their sins, who have never yet tasted the goodness of God or felt his pardoning love shed abroad in their hearts, I invite you, I intreat you by all that you hold dear on earth or in heaven to come to Jesus. Come and give your heart to him who has suffered so much, that you, through his sufferings and death, might live. Come then and pursue the narrow way that leads to life and happiness. O come I beseech you and go along with us. We are a little band of pilgrims traveling to a better land; and although despised and forsaken by the rich and proud and vain of this world, still Jesus will not forsake us. He is our pilot and will take us safely through to the haven of immortal glory. Come then and go along with us. We want your hopes and your songs to help to smooth our rough path and cheer us on our way. May God help you to make a wise choice before it shall be too late. Mrs. E. A. Dike.
Alma, N. Y.