p. 53 | A TRIBUTE OF PRAISE by Annie Suffcool

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, January 22, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 4

A TRIBUTE OF PRAISE.

By Annie Suffcool

BY MRS. ANNIE SUFFCOOL.

I wish to acknowledge the goodness of God, who has done and is doing a great work for me. I had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal church eleven years; and when last June Bro. and Sr. Snow and Bro. Holmes pitched their tent in sight of our home, I was not very much interested in their doctrine. But the more I heard them unfold the truths of the Scriptures, the deeper my interest became; for I saw nothing but truth; and this truth, so different from anything I had ever heard before, was so forcible and plain that I dared not reject it, knowing that if I did I should turn from the warning voice of God. The unchristian-like spirit that our Presbyterian and Methodist elders manifested only confirmed me in the faith; for I saw that they were fulfilling prophecy, and were trying to make the people believe that the Lord had said when he had not spoken.

I cannot be thankful enough that these servants were sent here to proclaim the solemn warning. They received some unjust treatment, but succeeded in gathering a little band of commandment-keeping people, and we are laboring and praying on, holding fast to the precious truth God has given us. Three new names have been added to our covenant, and we have a bright prospect of soon welcoming more precious souls to our ranks.

Brethren and sisters everywhere, be faithful, and labor for God. Perishing souls are all around us; and if the Spirit of God is in us, we will try to rescue some from the awful doom that awaits those who do not turn to our Heavenly Father. The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few. Let us take hold of the work, asking the Lord to help us. He will hold us responsible in the great day of reckoning for the talents he has given us. Let us use them to his glory.

Sisters, visit the poor ones of our sex. It may be that in some lonely, desolate home, you may gather a jewel for Christ’s kingdom. You may find a mother despairing under the weight of her cares, toiling in poverty to provide for her family, and perhaps not blessed with many friends. Go to her kindly; carry the message that has made your heart glad, and try to illuminate that fireside with it. Perhaps you may find one there who, though poor in this world’s goods, may become rich toward God. Let us try to gather sheaves for the great harvest, that we may not be like the barren fig-tree. God help us to fully realize the great importance of this work, and with the beginning of the new year put on the whole armor of God, and consecrate ourselves anew to his service.

Clark Co., Wis.