p. 112 | Bro. Stephen Smith by Editor

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Nov 25, 1852

Bro. Stephen Smith.

By Editor

This dear brother has been passing through severe trials. Unfortunately he fell into the bewitching snare of spiritualism, where the present truth found him about two years since. The presentation of the heavenly Sanctuary, showing him Jesus and the Ark of the ten commandments in the holiest of all, seemed to dispel from his mind the fog of spiritualism.—The change was a happy one indeed, and God blessed his labors for a time, as he went out to teach the present truth to his Advent brethren.

But it was soon visible that he was not entirely free from the influence of spiritualism. This deceptive, blinding influence led somewhat to harshness, and an unteachable, independant spirit, not according to the gospel. And some more than one year since, the brethren assembled in Conference at Washington, N. H., were under the painful necessity of withdrawing fellowship from Bro. Smith, while he stood on the ground he then did.

But, thank God for what he has recently done for him and his family. They see their past errors, have fully confessed and renounced them, and sweet union is again restored. We heartily extend to them the hand of Christian fellowship and sympathy, and pray the Lord to keep Bro. Smith, and make him successful in winning souls to Christ, and feeding the flock of God. In a recent letter he says:

“I feel very clear in my mind, a heavenly calm pervades my soul, and I am strong in the present truth of the third angel’s message. I am desirous to know and do my Master’s will in all things. By his grace assisting, I mean to overcome and inherit all things.”