Untitled article by Joseph Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 26, 1867

SPIRITUAL GIFTS.

By Joseph Clarke

It is some twelve years since we became acquainted with the Seventh-day Adventists. At that time we were very deep in popular errors; but we did not then think so. We knew, however, that something was sadly wanting in the religion of 1855; and this had been our conviction from youth, that apostolic religion and sabbatic observance was far different from the practice of the Protestants of the nineteenth century. It was the Sabbath day when first we read the Experience and Views of sister E. G. White; and it was a solemn yet joyful day, never to pass from our memory. Even now, our inmost soul is moved as we think of the deep impressions made upon our mind at that time; and at each successive issue of the Testimonies, we felt a new impetus onward in the way of Zion; particularly when the Great Controversy was issued, throwing such a flood of light upon Scripture subjects. Bro. Van Gorder got a copy first, and we went down to his home and staid until late at night, to hear him read aloud a great part of that priceless work; and as each successive issue of Testimonies came, we waited with more longing eyes than those do who collect on the ocean’s strand to get a view of the homeward-bound ship, bringing intelligence from friends far away. For is not this a divine missive, fresh from the glorious Heavens? What if it is testimony against us, not for us? Are not mercy’s gates still open? And was not the Lord very thoughtful of us, to warn us before it was too late?

Testimony No. 13, the latest in the series, is evidence that God still cares for his people; and that he has not rejected them. Let us each make it ours. Each one of us will be proved. Oh! may we be as gold refined, and finally prove genuine, in the day when the jewels are numbered.

JOSEPH CLARKE.