p. 167 | Review and Herald, Vol. 25, No. 21. (4/25/1865)

My Experience.

By J. L. Prescott

BRO. WHITE: I desire to communicate, through the Review to the saints scattered abroad, some of the dealings of God with me. My parents who were religious, early taught me to fear God and call upon his name. At the age of nine I was converted, and a few months after, joined the F. W. Baptists, where I continued a member in good standing, until faith in the first and second angels' message, caused me to withdraw from them. In the fall of 1854, I saw light concerning the development of the gifts, and was led to see that the church was not in a fit condition or preparation for the coming of the Lord. In preaching, my burden seemed to be concerning the gifts and the preparation for Christ's coming. But after some four years, it became evident there was a lack among us. Something was wrong. About this time I was convicted on the Sabbath question. A few months only had passed when it was my privilege to hear an investigation of the subject. It was argued that the law was abolished, a position which I had previously held, but after listening to the discussion for two days, I became so fully convinced of the obligation of the Sabbath that I commenced to keep it. This was six years ago last February.

A new era now dawned in my experience. After a few weeks' association with my former brethren I found I could not labor with them as formerly. They were prejudiced against the Sabbath, and in rejecting the law of God, they seemed to be building upon a sandy foundation.

About this time I moved to Wells, Maine, and soon became acquainted with Bro. O. Davis and family, of North Berwick. I was also favored with an interview with Brn. Sperry and Barr who now sleep in Jesus. It was a precious season to me. I became strongly attached to Bro. Sperry. But my prejudice against the visions of sister White, was a bar between us. I was unconsciously very strongly prejudiced by my former associations. Oh what a power to blind there is in prejudice! What a withering and blinding influence it has over its subjects. Although a believer in the gifts, yet I stood in doubt of the visions of sister White. In deep humility, and heartfelt sorrow, I make this confession.

About this time I learned that several of my former brethren in Portland had embraced the Sabbath. I visited them, and found they were investigating the gifts already manifested in, and endorsed by the body and were favorable to them. But my influence so far as it went, was against them. It is true I was not an avowed opposer, but as Christ has said, "He that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad," so it was in my relations to the body. I had formed acquaintances with brethren in several places, who were in sympathy with the body, and I esteemed them very highly, yet I stood in doubt of the body as a whole, and my influence was against them.

Of my efforts with others to establish and maintain a separate Conference of Sabbath-keepers, I will not speak particularly, as Brn. Davis and Gowell in their letters referred to it, but allow me to say that at our last Conference held in Portland, the first of November last, happily, we were favored with the presence of Bro. M. E. Cornell, whom I cordially invited to preach to us, and he did so, much to our edification and comfort. At the close of the Conference we arranged for a meeting of investigation of the points of difference between us. At this meeting I acted a prominent part in raising objections to the visions. After the meeting I was contemplating a warfare against the visions and the body. In this state of mind I retired for the night. In the morning very early, I had a remarkable exercise of mind. A horror of darkness passed before me. I seemed approaching very near to an awful precipice and was about to make the fearful leap into the abyss. I instinctively drew back with a shudder from the view, and it passed from me. I immediately commenced reflecting upon my past experience and present position and the history of the Advent movement. I thought of the present condition of the different Advent parties. I contrasted the harmony of the work under the first angel's message with the present state of confusion. Then old father Miller's dream concerning the casket of jewels, which, while undergoing an examination by some curious persons, was overturned and the jewels scattered, then the state of confusion that followed as the spurious jewels, shavings, sand, and rubbish were brought in and scattered among the jewels, then as he mourned his loss, a man with a dust-brush entered, and the process of cleansing the room and separating out the jewels, &c., all passed before my mind. In the past history and present condition of the church I seem to see a partial fulfillment of the dream. The law of God seems to answer to the dust-brush. The good results following the use of God's law show that it serves as a separator between the precious and the vile.

The prophecy of Jeremiah xv, 16-21, to my mind clearly represents the Advent messages, and final deliverance of the faithful; but the point which bore with peculiar force upon my mind was the 19th verse, "If thou take forth the precious from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth." The conviction came with great force that Bro. and Sr. White have been and are prominent in the work of separating the precious from the vile, and the promise is to such, that they shall be as the mouth of God, in other words, God will speak through them to his people. I saw that the gift of prophecy is among the instrumentalities which God sees fit to use for the perfecting of the saints. Eph. iv, 11, 12.

What a change now came over my mind! Everything bearing upon this subject looked entirely new. Praise God for his great mercy to me, in thus opening my eyes to see from the sure word of prophecy and his great book of providence, that he is, in these last times, addressing himself to his people through his own appointed means. I bless his name that he has thus changed my purpose, and saved me from that awful gulf of certain ruin; for what am I that I should fight against God!

I ardently desire to be found in harmony with God's will and providence, and in sympathy with his people in carrying forward the work of the third angel's message, and I hope through grace to share with them in the deliverance from approaching trouble, and in the glorious kingdom of God which he has promised to the finally faithful.

J. L. PRESCOTT.

North Berwick, Me., April 10.

To Whom It May Concern.

Bro. White: As I have not time to address all my inquiring brethren individually, I will, with your permission, give a few reasons of my change of position, through the Review. Perhaps I cannot do better than to introduce an extract of a letter I have prepared in answer to inquiries of a brother.

"Dear Bro. D——. You expressed a desire to know the result of the investigation. Well so far as I am concerned, I am nearly converted to faith in the visions. Most of the Brn. in Portland and North Berwick are confirmed believers, or strongly inclined that way. I do not claim that every thing in them is clear to my mind. If I reject them because they are not all clear, then I must reject the Bible for the same reason. But inasmuch as they do confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, and, as they lead to God—to faith in his word—to holiness of heart and godly lives—to unity of faith, and concert of action—to a readiness for Christ's coming, I am bound to receive them as of God. I cannot see that Satan would labor to accomplish such results as named above.

There are several reasons why I must think those brethren are in the work of God.

1. God has plainly revealed it as his purpose to gather a people under the third angel's message that should keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. Now God in his providence seems to bless the efforts of those brethren abundantly. . . . Now I can but recognize the work as in the right place, in a chronological point of view. The work is in harmony with the past moves and history of the church, and bids fair to fulfill the word of God in bringing the church into unity, and to a state of readiness for Jesus' coming.

Now as the visions are one of the instrumentalities God needs to accomplish his work, see Eph. iv, 11-13, I must acknowledge them in their place in accomplishing this important work, in doing which I cannot believe that God will go in partnership with the Devil."

J. L. PRESCOTT.

Obituary Notices.

DIED, in Waltham, Vt., Jan. 27, 1865, of consumption, sister Emily L. Darby, aged 37 years.

She had been for several years one of those “who call the Sabbath a delight,” and who felt it a great privilege to meet with God's people. She experienced much affliction in her life, but we trust that

“She sleeps in Jesus! peaceful rest, Whose waking is supremely blest; No fear, no woe, shall dim that hour, That manifests the Saviour’s power.”

S. B. WHITNEY.

FELL asleep in Jesus, of consumption, April 13, Adaline J. Mills wife of Dr. Mills, aged 26 years and 8 months. She embraced the Sabbath in the spring of 1855. I visited her a few days before her death and found her firm in the faith and joyful in hope of the better life. She leaves two children and her last advice to them was, to be good children and give their hearts to Jesus.

When Bro. Mills told her that she was dying, she exclaimed “Praise the Lord, his mercy endureth forever.” These were her last words. I attended her funeral on first-day, the 16th, in the town of Conway, where I discoursed to a crowded congregation and a large circle of relatives, on Rev. xiv, 13. Blessed are the dead, &c.

“Away from Satan’s tempting snare, Her faith’s no longer tried; In Jesus she is sleeping there; For in bright hope she died.”

J. B. FRISBIE.

Howell, April 16th 1865.

DIED in Weybridge, Vt., Matilda M., wife of Lovias J. Hall, aged 27 years. She leaves a companion and a little son of three and a half years, to mourn her loss. They hope to meet her in the resurrection morning.

PUBLICATIONS.

The law requires the pre-payment of postage on Bound Books, four cents for the first four ounces, or fractional part thereof, and an additional four cents for the next four ounces, or fractional part thereof, and so on. On Pamphlets and Tracts, two cents for each four ounces, or fractional part thereof. Orders, to secure attention, must be accompanied with the cash. Address, ELDER JAMES WHITE, Battle Creek, Michigan,

The Hymn Book, 164 pages, and 122 pieces of music, . . $0,80 12

with Sabbath Lute, . . 1,25 12
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with Lute, . . 1,50 12

History of the Sabbath, Sacred and Secular, . . 80 12

in paper covers, . . 50 10

Dobney on Future Punishment, . . 75 16

Spiritual Gifts, Vol. I, or the Great Controversy between Christ & his angels, and Satan & his angels, . . 50 8

Spiritual Gifts, Vol. II. Experience, Views & Incidents in connection with the Third Message, . . 60 8

Spiritual Gifts, Vols. I & II, bound in one book, . . $1,00 12

Spiritual Gifts, Vol. III, Facts of Faith, . . 75 8

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The same in five Pamphlets, . . 55 8
twenty-five Tracts, . . 50 8

Appeal to the Youth, Bound, . . 60 8

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without Likeness, . . 15 2

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Three Angels of Rev. xiv, and the Two-horned Beast, . . 15 4

Hope of the Gospel, or Immortality the Gift of God, . . 15 4

Which? Mortal or Immortal? or an Inquiry into the Present Constitution & Future Condition of Man, . . 15 4

Modern Spiritualism: its Nature and Tendency, . . 15 4

The Kingdom of God: a Refutation of the Doctrine called, Age to Come, . . 15 4

Miraculous Powers, . . 15 4

Appeal to Mothers, . . 15 2

Review of Seymour. His Fifty Questions Answered, . . 10 3

Prophecy of Daniel—The Sanctuary and 2300 Days, . . 10 3

The Saints' Inheritance in the New Earth, . . 10 3

Signs of the Times. The Coming of Christ at the Door, . . 10 3

Law of God. The Testimony of Both Testaments, . . 10 3

Vindication of the True Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, . . 10 3

Review of Springer on the Sabbath and Law of God, . . 10 3

Christian Baptism. Its Nature, Subjects, & Design, . . 10 3

Key to the Prophetic Chart, . . 10 2

The Sanctuary and 2300 Days of Dan. viii, 14, . . 10 2

The Fate of the Transgressor, . . 5 2

Matthew xxiv. A Brief Exposition of the Chapter, . . 5 2

Mark of the Beast, and Seal of the Living God, . . 5 1

Sabbathic Institution and the Two Laws, . . 5 1

Assistant. The Bible Student's Assistant, or a Compend of Scripture References, . . 5 1

Truth Found. A Short Argument for the Sabbath, with an Appendix, "The Sabbath not a Type," . . 5 1

An Appeal for the Restoration of the Bible Sabbath in an Address to the Baptists, . . 5 1

Review of Fillio. A Reply to a series of Discourses delivered by him in this City against the Sabbath, . . 5 1

Milton on the State of the Dead, . . 5 1

Brown's Experience. Consecration — Second Advent, . . 5 1

Report of General Conference held in Battle Creek, June, 1859, Address on Systematic Benevolence, &c., . . 5 1

The Sabbath, in German, . . 10 2

Holland, . . 5 1
French, . . 5 1

On Daniel II & VII, in French, . . 5 1

ONE-CENT TRACTS. The Seven Seals—The Two Laws—Reasons for Sunday-keeping Examined—Personality of God—Wesley on the Law—Judson on Dress—Appeal on Immortality.

TWO-CENT TRACTS. Institution of the Sabbath—Sabbath by Elihu—Infidelity and Spiritualism—War and Sealing—Who Changed the Sabbath?—Preach the Word—Death and Burial—Much in Little—Truth.

THREE-CENT TRACTS. Dobney on the Law—Milton on the State of the Dead—Scripture References—The Mark of the Beast and Seal of the Living God—Spiritual Gifts, view and Herald Illustrated, . . 5 1

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General Conference.

By Jno. Byington, J. N. Loughborough, G. W. Amadon

THE third Annual Meeting of the S. D. A. General Conference will be held in Battle Creek, Michigan, Wednesday, May 17, 1865, at 9 o'clock A. M. This Conference is composed of delegates from the various State Conferences. Where delegates are not already appointed, the different Conference Committees will see that they are appointed in season. Brethren in those localities where there is no State Conference can also represent themselves by delegates or letter at their discretion.

JNO. BYINGTON, J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, G. W. AMADON. } Gen. Conf. Committee.

Michigan State Conference.

The Michigan State Conference will hold its fifth annual session at Battle Creek, Mich., Thursday, May 18, 1865, at 9 o'clock A. M.

All the churches belonging to this Conference, and those who wish to unite with it, are requested to represent themselves faithfully by delegate or letter. Delegates are to be chosen according to the following ratio: – "Each church to the number of twenty members or under, shall be entitled to one delegate, and one delegate for every additional fifteen members." Delegates will bring letters showing their appointment. Churches will also be careful to act upon Sec. 2, of Art. iv, of our Constitution, as follows: "It shall be the duty of the churches in this Conference to send a written report to the regular meetings of the Conference of their standing, their losses and additions [of membership] during the year, also the amount of their s. B. fund." Ministers belonging to the Conference will also be prepared to present their individual reports of each week's labor, and expenses. These reports must state the number of meetings held, and where they were held, each week. Churches will also remember Sec. 3, of Art. iii, and notify the Executive Committee at or before the time of the Conference, of "the amount they will give each month during the Conference year for the support of ministers and tent operations, and for such other purposes as may be necessary for the advancement of the cause." U. SMITH, JNO. BYINGTON, R. J. LAWRENCE. } Mich. Conf. Committee.

Annual Meeting of the S. D. A. Publishing Association.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association will hold its fifth annual session at Battle Creek, Mich., Friday, May 19, 1865, at 9 o'clock A. M.

JAMES WHITE, GEO. W. AMADON, J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, J. N. ANDREWS, E. S. WALKER, URIAH SMITH, I. D. VAN HORN. } Trustees.

Remarks. It is hoped that by appointing the business sessions of the Conferences and Association, so early in the week, all business pertaining to the interests of those meetings may be fully attended to before the Sabbath, so as to leave the Sabbath and first-day to be devoted exclusively to religious exercises. It will be necessary that delegates to the General Conference should arrive in Battle Creek as soon as Tuesday or Tuesday night, delegates to the Mich. State Conference by Wednesday, members of the Association, Thursday, while those who come for the religious meetings exclusively, will be expected on Friday. A committee of arrangements will be found at the Review Office, to provide homes for all who come.

Gen. Conf. Committee.

Call for a Conference in New England.

By P. C. Rodman

THE cause of truth is onward in this State (R. I.) I do hope there will be a New England Conference this summer in some central place; for I think it could be made the means of forwarding the cause in the East. It would be some expense to be sure, but brethren coming as delegates from different localities, would become acquainted with each other, and be encouraged by each other's testimony. I trust it will be considered by those that look after the wants of the cause. God give wisdom to all that call upon him in truth.

P. C. RODMAN.

Note from Bro. Frisbie.

By James B. Frisbie

I attended last Sabbath a meeting in Marion, where there were about twenty to meet me. There are now over twenty Sabbath keepers in that section to meet and keep up meetings. They begin to talk about being organized.

J. B. F. Chelsea, April 19th 1865.

Appointments.

I WILL attend Monthly Meetings in the following counties:

Oswego, the first Sabbath in May; Jefferson, the second Sabbath in May; Madison, the third Sabbath in May. C. O. TAYLOR.

I will meet with the church of Orange, Sabbath May 6th, and eve after, as the brethren may appoint. P. STRONG.

ThE next Quarterly Meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist church at Rockton, Ills., will be held at Rockton, May 6 and 7, 1865. Bro. Wm. S. Ingraham intends to be at this meeting. A general invitation is given to all to come. T. M. STEWART.

Business Department.

By Editor

Business Notes.

J. Philo. You will find the credit to D. Hodges and C. Smith in No. 17.