p. 24 | LABORS IN MAINE by John Nevins Andrews

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 24, 1867

LABORS IN MAINE.

By John Nevins Andrews

The labors of Bro. and Sr. White in Maine during the past two months have been productive of great good to many of the people of God. Plainness of speech, faithful reproof for wrongs, words of compassion and encouragement for the trembling souls who feel their need of the Saviour, and for the erring who seek in humility to put away their faults—these are things that have entered largely into their labors. The testimony of Sr. White, reproving wrongs in the case of many individuals that she had seen in vision, has been borne with great faithfulness, and with the most excellent effect. As her gift was new to many in this State, and as some of those who were reproved had been much prejudiced against her visions, it is not a matter of surprise that a state of trial and confusion with quite a number existed for a season. But though some protested that they were set forth in a wrong light by her reproofs, it was the unanimous testimony of all who were acquainted with their cases, even of those who felt some degree of trial with this work, that the reproof was truthful and just. And though some measure of confusion has thus existed for a time with some, it is a matter of thanksgiving to God that such is not now the case. Even those who have felt the greatest opposition to the reproofs they received, have, with scarcely an exception, on calm and serious reflection, acknowledged that they were justly reproved, and have made an earnest effort to heed the admonition addressed to them.

I have had great opportunity to judge of the truthfulness of these testimonies by witnessing their faithful and exact delineations of character in a very large number of cases, presenting very widely dissimilar features. I have every reason to know that these things were almost entirely unknown to Sr. White, and in some cases absolutely unknown, only as given her by the Spirit of God. Yet a most perfect and exact representation of the faults, as well as the virtues, of many persons has thus been given, so that even those who know them best have said they could not so well have described them.

But in the matter of plain and faithful dealing, without fear or favor, I desire to bear witness that there has been no lack. If base and evil motives were the controlling power in this work, flattering words would fill the place of searching testimonies and faithful reproofs. Others may feel glad that they are not connected with a people who regard these testimonies; but from the depths of my heart I thank God for these indispensable mercies toward the people who are seeking to prepare for translation.

I believe that many in Maine who have felt fearful that these things were not safe to receive, now view the matter in a very different light. The labors of Bro. and Sr. White have been untiring, and we trust the good accomplished will be of lasting value to the cause of truth in Maine.

I cannot refrain from speaking of one point that deeply interests my feelings. It is this, that some who have in their past lives wronged others by their business transactions must make reparation of those wrongs or never stand the test of the day of Judgment. No one who reads the Bible attentively can doubt that this is one of the fruits meet for repentance that will be exhibited in the life of every man who truly seeks God, if his past life has been one of overreaching and of fraud, whether in great matters or in small. Who will say that these are hard sayings? Faithful testimonies on this point have been borne. May they result in salvation to those who have needed their reproof. It will be of small account indeed to hide our sins from our fellow-men. The Judgment is at hand, and none can hope to escape the notice of the all-seeing Judge. It is an honorable thing to confess our sins and to make reparation for our wrong acts. It is certain ruin to suffer our sins to remain upon our own heads. Those are our true friends who are most faithful with our souls. I trust that these things will be held by us in lasting remembrance.

J. N. ANDREWS.