Whitney’s Testimony of Faith
By S. B. Whitney
BRO. WHITE: It is some time since the brethren and sisters have heard anything from me through the Review; but it is not because I have no interest in it, or the truths it advocates. Far from this. And now I wish to say to them, that, notwithstanding my long silence, although I have to regret many past errors and wrongs, and mourn over my great unfaithfulness; yet I have been striving to do the will of my Heavenly Father, and am still encouraged to press on, because of the "exceeding great and precious promises both for time and eternity, which are "yea and amen" to those that believe. Indeed, the "Lord is not slack concerning his promises," as we fully prove, when, by heartfelt obedience and faithfulness we fulfil the conditions upon which they are given. While, according to the best of my ability, I have presented the truth to others, exhorting them to obedience to the requirements of God, my own soul has often been watered, and my faith grown exceedingly as the evidences of our position have arrayed themselves before me in their clearness, and with increasing light and force. Certainly these evidences should be a cause of gratitude to us all, and every fresh token of the nearness of our redemption should cause hope and joy to spring up afresh in our hearts. But especially do I feel grateful for the light now shining upon the path of the "remnant," contained in Spiritual Gifts volumes three and four, which we so much need, as a people, at this time, particularly the portion referring to health. It seems to me, that none but those who are blinded by the evil workings of an unsubdued heart and will, can fail to see and appreciate the work that is now being done for us, as the dealings of a kind and merciful Heavenly Father. And when it is thus seen and appreciated, how easy it will be for us to co-operate, and how much more acceptable will be our service, when rendered with a healthy stomach, a clear head and a pure heart. With what avidity should we take hold of the work of self-purification, when it is shown to be so indispensable to our temporal and eternal welfare. How poor and mean appears the sacrifice we are required to make in this direction, which calls us to give up nothing but that which is decidedly a detriment to us, both physically and morally, when compared with the prize placed before us as the object of our aspirations and labor. Already do we as a family begin to experience the good result of self-denial, and our purpose is to "so run that we may obtain." May the good Lord strengthen and speed on you and yours in the good work, and help his people to walk in the light, and thus cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit and perfect holiness in his fear. Yours in hope of final and complete victory. Grass River, N. Y., Oct. 13, 1864.