The Spread of Present Truth
By John McMillan
BRO. WHITE: As I have been often cheered and comforted by the experience of others in the Review, it is not just that I should receive all and give nothing. It was not reluctance to give, that prevented my writing in the past, but lest I should be tedious. God has always led me by a way that I knew not, but for the past three years, he has led me out into so clear a teaching light, that I cannot mistake his hand; and I have an assurance that he will do greater things for me, and not for me only, but for “all that love his glorious appearing.” Three years ago, in this part of the country those who advocated that Christ would ever return to earth again were called “sensual materialists;” those who believed that “eternal life was the gift of God” at the resurrection of the just, were called “infidels;” and those who observed the Bible Sabbath were called “Jews;” and it was only our tolerant laws that permitted those holding such views to enjoy their freedom. Although but few have yet openly cut loose from Babylon, to God be all the praise that these subjects are admitted by many, and studied by the majority, in this neighborhood at the present time. A very dear relative at the age of 70, has read the Review for six months and cannot do without it, although her minister on a pastoral visit told her to throw it and all such writings into the fire, and think no more about such things. His laboured and fruitless attempt at my conversion might be interesting to some, but would be too personal to interest all of your readers. Elder Wm. Sheldon of Baraboo, Wis., held a tent meeting here over two first-days, commencing July 7, which has created an interest on the subject of the coming of Christ, and the time of the judgment, and the reward. But his entire silence about the Sabbath has left a feeling of dissatisfaction with many. We anxiously wait Elder Sanborn’s promised visit this fall. May he come deeply imbued with the Spirit of his Master. You who can meet and speak often one to another, think of the lonely and scattered ones who are excluded from Christian fellowship by creeds and formulas. Your prayers may be all you can give; but they will be powerful, if offered in faith. While we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven” let us live as though we prayed it, and not merely said it; and while many good Christians cannot see everything as we see, let us not judge harshly. Paul was sincere when he was a persecutor. We, too, were honest when we believed very different from what we do now; and I believe we all have many things yet to learn before we are with “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” JOHN MCMILLAN.
Prescott, Wis.