A Lone Sabbathkeeper in Minnesota
By Charles Smith
DEAR BRETHREN: I feel that I am a lone stranger (I hardly dare say pilgrim) in the earth, from the fact that there is no society having the same religious views with myself, nearer than forty-five miles from me. The nearest one I know of is in Burnham Valley, La Crosse Co., Wis. Being raised and educated a Baptist, I am still a member in a Freewill Baptist church. But they tell me I am too particular when I ask for scriptural authority for their Sabbath, and for the immortality of the wicked, and many other points on which we differ in opinion. Being a licensed preacher among them, they say, Bro. Smith, don’t speak of your peculiar views in the desk; it will injure our church. How I feel the need of wisdom to take the right course. I have charge of the Bible-class; and I earnestly strive to press upon the classmates the true teachings of the Bible, and throw away tradition. I think of the exhortation, Be ye wise as serpents and harmless as doves. I have met with the brethren and sisters twice in Burnham Valley, Wis. The last time, about the 10th of June last, we had a spiritual feast together. I there met Bro. I. Sanborn. Two were baptized. Dear brethren, pray for me. Though alone, I am keeping the Sabbath. THE REVIEW AND HERALD finds me every week. I find great instruction in reading Thoughts on Revelation.
Yours in love of the truth,
Houston Co., Minn. CHARLES SMITH.