A Testimony for Present Truth
By G. W. Colcord
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: With you I would throw in my testimony in favor of the cause of the Lord. My greatest desire is to live out present truth. The Lord has been very merciful and kind to me, in enlightening my mind upon subjects of such importance; those which concern our eternal interest. Nine years ago this winter, Bro. Loughborough gave a course of lectures, in this neighborhood which lasted three weeks. At the close of the lectures, he entered into discussion with a Mr. Yeager, on the Sabbath question. At the commencement of this series of meetings, I had little or no interest in it, but as the Brn. produced good music, I began to be attracted to the place. The more I went the more I desired to go, and soon I began to give attention to what was said in the lectures. During the debate, I paid good heed to the arguments, and before it came to a close—although I was but a lad, I was satisfied that Bro. Loughborough had the truthful position. My Father immediately began to keep the Sabbath, but as no other member of the family chose to observe it, I neglected it. After the meetings, I used to argue in favor of the positions taken by the Adventists, while at school. But the scholars would turn upon me, and ask, "Then, why don't you live it out? If Saturday is the right day, why don't you keep it?" I had no answer with which I was satisfied. Still I procrastinated. Early the next autumn, my youngest sister and myself determined that we would break away from the errors of the past, and try to do God's will. Since that time I have been trying to delight in the keeping of the Sabbath, and to call it honorable. Although crooked has been my pathway, and many the faults which I have committed, yet, thanks be to God's holy name, to-day finds me enjoying his mercy, and trying to fulfil his righteous covenant. As the result of Eld. Sanborn's labors in this place, two more are keeping the Sabbath, and more are investigating. I believe the Lord is preparing the hearts of this people for the reception of the truth. And my heart's desire, and prayer to God is, that all who are willing to come out from the world, and renounce its follies may have light to see their way clear, and strength to obey.