THOS. DENMON by Thos. Denmon

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 26, 1861

THOS. DENMON

By Thos. Denmon

From Bro. Denmon.

BRO. SMITH: Having had a desire for some time to add my testimony to the many that have preceded me in favor of present truth, I embrace the present opportunity to inform the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that I rejoice with all my heart that I have been permitted to live to see this day, and to hear the sound of the third angel's message. Although it came to me in the form of a silent messenger, yet it did its work, accompanied by the Holy Spirit, upon my heart. I experienced religion twenty-nine years since, and united with the M. E. church. At that time they enjoyed the spirit and life of religion; but of late years they have degenerated. While they have retained some of the forms, they have virtually denied the power; and we are commanded from such to turn away. I should be too tedious to relate the many evils which I saw among them. Being an official member among them for a number of years I had a good opportunity to learn a great deal of the evils and hypocrisies practiced among them. They had become so corrupt that my conscience would not permit me to remain in fellowship with them any longer. I looked around me to find a people that loved and served God; and from outside appearances, I judged that the United Brethren were such a people. Being a new comer in the place, and they a new people to me, I with my wife united with them. I was chosen leader, and exhorted them as well as I could to holy living, and a full consecration, which offended some; so much so that they expressed themselves that they had rather I would strike them in the face than to speak to them in class. I consequently had to abandon class altogether. Thus matters stood until I was kindly loaned the use of some Advent books, which showed the truth so plain that we could not find it in our hearts to resist. We embraced it on the second day of Nov. last, to the joy of our hearts. We then applied for a letter from the Brethren church. The minister asked the reason. We frankly told him that we considered that they were not keeping the commandments of God by doing labor on the seventh day of the week. He then tried to have us remain, saying that we might keep the seventh day. We told him that we could not in conscience do so. From these remarks they afterwards took the ground that we had slandered the church, and without any notice turned us out. But, blessed be God! if we are faithful in keeping all his commandments and the faith of Jesus, we shall be accounted worthy to obtain that kingdom; and it will not be in the power of man to disinherit us of the rich reward of those that have a right to the tree of life.

Dear brethren and sisters, I believe that soon Jesus will come, and what if we have not got oil in our vessels! Oh let us remember the parable of the virgins, and be wise. There are nine of us here trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The most of us are so situated that we meet twice each week for worship; and God deigns to meet with us and bless us. But Oh, how we long for a messenger to come and present the truth to this people. Some of us also wish baptism. Cannot some preaching brother that reads these lines come to us? May the Lord open the way.

Yours striving to be an overcomer.

THOS. DENMON

Kickapoo, Bad Axe Co., Wis.