Progress in the Truth by Arlina R. Penniman

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 12, 1864

Progress in the Truth

By Arlina R. Penniman

From Sister Penniman.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Thinking it will cheer you to hear something of the progress of truth, I desire to cast my humble testimony in with those who “speak often one to another.”

In early youth I made a profession of religion, and for several years lived faithful to my vows, receiving great light and blessings. But for a few years past associations with the world have so engrossed my mind that I had entirely lost the power of godliness, and nearly given up the form thereof, my conscience the meanwhile warning me that if I continued in this state I must be lost.

A few weeks since, Bro. Waggoner came among us, and my husband and self were blessed in being among his hearers. We did not expect to be converted to his faith, but throwing aside prejudice, resolved to investigate the word of truth carefully and prayerfully. With strong desire to know the truth, we could not gainsay the strong arguments enforced by plain scripture, and did not, like some, as soon as we began to see the light, shut our eyes for fear of seeing more; but have pressed on to know the truth, until we feel that we are now rooted and grounded, and by divine aid are resolved to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Many are afraid of being carried away by strange doctrines; but if the plain teachings of the Bible are “strange doctrines,” the farther we are carried away by them the better.

I have been greatly blessed this day in following my Saviour down into the liquid grave, and hope by grace to follow his precepts and examples while I live. The scoffs and sneers of the world, and even professed Christians, I expect; but shall I hope to escape better than my Lord, who bore to be scourged and spit upon for me? Nay, verily.

Then let men rage, since thou wilt spread Thy shadowy wings around my head; Since in all pain thy tender love Will still my sure refreshment prove.”

Oh, that those who follow Christ at a distance could see and feel how precious and glorious is the light bestowed upon those who forsake all for his sake. How vain and trifling the world looks now. I feel as I never felt before—ready for the coming of my Lord. I would dearly love to meet with the saints below; but I rejoice in the expectation of meeting you in the air on our way to dwell forever with the Lord. That I may be a faithful witness until that time, may I not, dear brethren and sisters, have your earnest prayers?

In hope.

Arlina R. Penniman.

Bloomfield, Ohio.