p. 74 | Untitled article by E. Macomber

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, January 14, 1868

From Bro. Macomber.

By E. Macomber

BRO. SMITH: As there is a portion of our paper designed to fill the place that the conference or social meeting does in the worship of God, I would devote a few moments with my pen in the way of experience and exhortation to my dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad.

Undoubtedly you are aware ere this that Satan, who has caused so much trouble in the world, is still on the alert. I am convinced that he is exerting all his influence and power among the remnant that are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. If he undertook to tempt Jesus our Lord, will he not try us? Most assuredly he will; and that he is now doing.

Has he power to make any of us believe that those whom God has called out in this great work of proclaiming the third angel's message are publishing error to some extent? I think he has. I speak of myself. I recollect when the third angel's message first began to be sounded, those upon whom God had laid the burden of the work, were considered the offscouring of earth, were ranked among fanatics, considered deluded, and branded as proclaiming error to the world. I, being young, and having confidence in those who considered them as such, and not informing myself on the matter, allowed a wicked prejudice to seat itself in my mind, which I suffered to remain for a long time. Being connected with the Advent movement since 1842, I felt an interest in the questions that were raised. Referring to the matter, I examined for myself, and found to my satisfaction that this despised people had the truth of God; and the truth, as they preached it, was an unbroken chain from the first of the great Advent movement in 1842, up to the time of my embracing it; and I so consider it to this day, through the evidence I have found in God's word and the influence of his Holy Spirit, and the fruits that I have seen. I am very thankful to my Heavenly Father, that he, seeing me in the way, led me to the true fold. Prejudice fled from my heart, the good Spirit took its place, and I rejoice in the God of my salvation.

Now that same evil influence is still at work. The same Satan is trying God's little ones. He says to you, my brother or sister, The health reform is carried to an extreme. He whispers in the ears of some who are not decided to adopt the dress reform, How strange you will appear to the world; and you admit, at once, that his advice is better than the advice of your dear, way-worn messengers.

My dear friends, be not deceived, God is not mocked. They that sow to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; they that sow to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. May God help you to examine for yourself, decide soon, labor for God and be saved.

E. MACOMBER.

Ashaway, R. I., Dec. 28, 1867.