Letter from Sister A. S. Stevens
By A. S. Stevens
[Letter from Sister A. S. Stevens.] DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS—Intelligence of the work of the Lord among "the remnant" is truly cheering. Be encouraged, ye lonely pilgrims, a change is coming, yea, even now is discernable. By contrasting our present state and prospect, with what it has been for the past few years, we clearly see that God's hand is moving; and his right hand, and his holy arm, will surely gain the victory. The standard of truth is erected, and Zion again is rallying around. Error and darkness vanish before the clear light of present truth, the third angel's testimony. The work of scattering is past. Sad and painful has it been. And our hearts at times have well nigh fainted; even we in Paris and vicinity can testify. About a year and a half since, and the bitter cup was in our hands. We had heeded the messages of the first two angels; but since the fall of '44, or somewhat later, through the influence of false teachers, and the fanciful imaginations of our own hearts, we have been separated from the fellowship and communion of saints; and even within our own company, divisions and subdivisions have prevailed. Each heart has stood aloof; confidence in one another has been almost entirely destroyed. We had forsaken the assembling of ourselves together, and, in a great measure, lost our interest in the coming of the Holy One.—But for the tender love and mercy of our Father, we had been destroyed in our darkness and confusion; but thanks to his Holy Name, Mercy still plead and prevailed. A mighty change has been wrought among us. Again we are united with the children of God, and the union is sweeter than ever. Most of our number saw and confessed their errors at the conference, held at North Paris, Sept., 1849. Some, however, who did not attend, still persisted in their own course; and until recently, have exhibited little or no interest in the present work of the Lord; but, by the aid of the little paper, the "Advent Review," in calling to remembrance the evidences of the past work and power of the Lord, interest once more revived. And at the conference in this place, November 23—4, an earnest desire was manifested to return to the fold of Christ. Hearty confessions were made, and the healing balm applied. It was a good time. At the commencement of our meeting, Jesus was present, and his glory rested upon us, while listening to remarks relative to our history and present position. The cold hearted and indifferent were aroused; children came forward expressing their desires to keep the commandments, and go to heaven, and requested the prayers of God's people.—We had victory in the camp. "The people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off." May the work still progress with us, and elsewhere. We need to drink deeply of the Holy Spirit to keep pace with the movement of the times. Truly the scattered sheep are being searched and sought out. The gathering time has come, to the truth of which our souls can testify. A. S. STEVENS.
Paris, Me., Dec. 8, 1850.