A TESTIMONY FOR THE TRUTH.
[The extract below is from a private letter from H. C. Shipley, Frederick Co., Va., under date of Nov. 1, and is given to show that the third angel’s message has the same bearing167and produces the same impressions, at the South as at the North. J. O. C.] You asked how I enjoyed the quarterly meeting. I answer: Very much, except that there was a shade of disappointment at not seeing Bro. Lane, whom I hoped to meet there. It was truly a season of grace to me. I still mourn over my weaknesses, while trying to overcome former evil practices; but I thank God, who giveth the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. My religious views have made me many enemies, and since you were here they have refused to employ me as a physician; consequently I am compelled to resort to teaching for a livelihood. When my present engagement ends next spring, I do not know what I may do. If it be the will of God for me to go and declare this message, I want to be prepared to obey. By request of the church, the minister came on Monday last, and preferred charges against me; which were, the holding and practicing doctrines not Methodistical, such as keeping the seventh day, &c., to which I pleaded guilty, and invited him to a friendly discussion of the topics under consideration. After three hours’ friendly talk he said, with a smile, he thought I was a little heterodox, but advised me to maintain the views; “for,” said he, “they cannot be controverted.” My heart is in the work, and I feel better satisfied with my religious experience now than ever before, and in order to appease my offended brethren of the M. E. Church I shall be obliged to seek pasturage with another flock. God bless you. Remember me in your prayers.