ANNETTE L. GUILFORD by Annette L. Guilford

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 12, 1865

ANNETTE L. GUILFORD

By Annette L. Guilford

From Sister Guilford.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I esteem it a privilege to say to you that I am still striving to walk in the narrow way that leads to eternal life. I am trying to stem the strong current that is setting in from the world. It is so strong that all will be carried along with it down to destruction, except those who realize its power, and plead earnestly with God for overcoming strength, that they may be able to resist it. I have found by experience, that much exertion is necessary in every advance step we take toward the kingdom. Yet I delight in the self-denying way, the rugged, thorny way; for it leads to where my Saviour is. He is my best friend, and I long to see him face to face, and hear his sweet voice say to me, "Come, ye blessed of my Father." Oh precious words! with what joy inexpressible will they thrill the heart of the way-worn pilgrim of earth. Having passed through the furnace, and drunk of the cup, and been baptized with the baptism, they will be prepared to appreciate the sweet rest, and all the joys of Heaven. I believe that I am willing to do anything or suffer anything that my Father sees necessary in order to prepare me for Heaven. I have made a covenant with God by sacrifice, placing all that I have upon the altar. I count nothing that I possess as my own; it is only lent me from the Lord. And I am not my own, and I earnestly desire to honor my Creator in my body and spirit which are his. I want to make thorough work in preparing for the great day of the Lord. With joy I behold the increasing signs of the speedy coming of our Saviour, and when he shall appear seated upon the great white cloud, I want to be

of those who will be caught up to meet him in the air, and so be forever with the Lord.

Yours in hope of eternal life.

ANNETTE L. GUILFORD

St. Charles, Mich.