NEW SHOREHAM, R. I., IN 1843.
By J. S. Miller
A GREATER part of the surface of the Island of New Shoreham is made up of a succession of hills and valleys, so that to get from one point to another, one must constantly go up hill and down. The hills are not large, but numerous. In the winter of 1843, the ground was for several weeks covered with snow and ice; and so slippery a time was never known on the island before or since. It was during this slippery time that the message of the hour of God's judgment come, was proclaimed. So deeply were these people interested in this warning message that they all turned out, with scarcely an exception; and night after night, for many weeks, they listened with eager attention to hear the prophetic word unfolded. But what was most remarkable, not an individual, old or young, received any injury from slipping or falling. This brings to mind the words of the Psalmist, “For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Psalm xci, 11, 12. The islanders thought at the time, that they were especially protected by the providence of God. Those who have continued in their first love, think so still. Another remarkable incident connected with the advent proclamation in 1843, was its effect on the religious portion of community. In the minutes of the last association of the Baptists previous to 1843, the membership of the church at New Shoreham was given at 463. At the time of that proclamation, a church-meeting was called, and a resolution passed to the effect that all who would not at a certain time come to the church-meeting and acknowledge themselves at fault in going to hear the Advent preaching, should be no longer considered members. The minutes of the next session of the association showed a membership of just 231; so equally were professed Christians divided at that time. Some of those who were then cast off, have since returned to their allegiance; but a majority have backslidden altogether; while a few have followed up the truth, embraced the third message, and seem bound to see the end of the Christian race. But no permanent prosperity has ever followed the church that then fought against the advancing light of truth. J. S. MILLER. New Shoreham, R. I., June 18.