A Testimony of Faith and Obedience
By S. R. Smith
BRO. WHITE: I received the Review and books sent by you. They have explained the way of eternal life as recorded in God's word, to my satisfaction. By reading them I have been both edified and comforted. I believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Redeemer, and in his second appearing as recorded in holy writ. My companion and myself are striving to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, that we may have a part in the first resurrection: for on such the second death hath no power. I believe we are living in the last days, and that the time is at hand when it will be said to the dwellers of earth, “He which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.” And, “Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me to give every man according as his works shall be.” I believe the commandments of God are binding, and should be kept as they were written by God on Sinai's mount. Perhaps it may interest you to know how we first became awakened to a sense of our obligation to keep the commandments as written by God. When my companion was a child, she attended Sunday-school. Her teacher was a member of the Episcopal church. She told her scholars that in the latter days there would be a new revelation concerning the commandments of God. She thought much upon these things, and had an idea that she was not living up to the requirements of God's holy law, although she was, with myself, a member of the Methodist church. About six months ago, a friend sent us some of your papers, and we read them. This made us feel anxious to see your books. We procured and read them, and compared them with God's word, and by the aid of the Holy Spirit, we are convinced of the truth, and we mean by the grace of God to keep his commandments, that we may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city. I have distributed your books among my neighbors, and some of them seem to be interested. We need a good preacher here. May the Lord send us one. Remember us at the throne of grace. We need the prayers of God's dear people.
S. R. SMITH.
Blue Earth City, Minn.