Brother Eldred’s Testimony
By John A. Eldred
Bro. White: I am still striving with all my heart to live godly in Christ Jesus. I am very thankful that the Lord has shown me the light of the present truth. I have many trials to pass through, in being deprived of the use of my limbs, and having no way of getting around only by my wheeled chair. But I can meet with a few of God's children, at a place only a few rods from here. Bro. Loughborough was the one who persuaded me to keep the Sabbath. While I was talking with him one afternoon about the Sabbath, I found that he was right, and I was wrong. He labored to have me commence to keep the Sabbath then, but I did not promise him. I went home and could think of nothing but the Sabbath; for I had been trying for two years to be a child of God, but I found I was not free from sin unless I kept his rest day. I accordingly made up my mind I would keep the Sabbath, not because I was easily turned, but because it was Bible truth. Since then, it seems as though nothing would make me give it up. The first paper I ever subscribed for was a religious paper, and that is the Review. I call that and the Bible, my guide. I have been comforted with this text: "Through much tribulation shall ye enter into the kingdom." I am expecting a time of trouble such as never was on this earth soon, and the great question with me is, Am I ready. Whenever I find there is anything between me and the Saviour, I hasten to put it away, that he may come in and sup with me and I with him. Oh I am thankful for what God, for Christ's sake, has done for me. I thank the Lord I ever turned unto his testimonies. I have passed through some trying scenes, but I find that his grace is sufficient for me. I never thought of giving up. My trust is in him whose promises are sure. Dear brethren and sisters, I want your prayers, that I may have grace and be ready when the Saviour comes. I believe the end is near, even at the door. I think I have advanced more in four months toward attaining what is required of me, than in all my life before. I have read the works called Spiritual Gifts, except Vol. iv, and I believe the Lord has placed them in the church. The word of the Lord is indeed a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I cannot find words to express the feelings of my heart. I have a great deal to overcome, to be ready to meet Jesus. I long to be a perfect Christian. I am determined by the assisting grace of God, to devote the remainder of my days to him, that I may at last have room in those mansions which he has gone to prepare for us. Yours in Christ.
JOHN A. ELDRED.
Victor, Ontario Co., N. Y.