Finding the Bible Church
By J. Russell
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I have been requested to write to you, relative to God's dealings with me; and thinking that it would encourage you, to hear that one more had embraced the truth, I have resolved to comply. For nearly a year, I have been severely afflicted with the neuralgia, accompanied with violent spasms. I have had these spasms, I think, as often as once in three or four days, on an average, lasting usually two or three hours, but sometimes twelve or thirteen, and so violent that, sometimes, it seemed impossible for me to live through them. The pain that I, at times, endured was greater than could be described. I was taken, while studying at Amherst College, with the ministry in view. As soon as I could be removed, I was taken to Stratford, Ct., where my parents reside. About a month ago, as my health had somewhat improved, I accepted the invitation of Bro. Charles Andrews, (my uncle,) to visit this city. I had often been disgusted with many things that I had seen in the churches, though I had long been a member of one of them; and felt dissatisfied with them and my own self also, and seeing the inconsistencies of professors of religion, I was often tempted to renounce it altogether. I saw that the nominal churches contended more for creeds, than for the truth, and I longed to find a church that took the Bible as their only creed. Thank God! I have found one at last. I was pleased when I found a little company here, who seemed to live religion and made the Scriptures their only rule of faith and practice. My uncle and his family, consisting of Sisters Andrews and M. and D. Moody were faithful to present the truth to me; but my nerves were so weak, that I could not examine for myself, or listen to them, without having one of my spasmodic turns. We prayed that I might have strength and light given me. That prayer was answered; and I was enabled to some extent, to search the scriptures to see whether these things were so. As far as I was able to examine the points presented, I was convinced that they were true; such as, the unconsciousness of the dead; reckoning of 2300 days, as made by Adventists; the nominal church as the Babylon spoken of in Revelation; the seventh day the only Sabbath of the Lord; and the fulfilling of the signs that proclaim "the coming of the Son of man" to raise the dead, destroy the wicked, and reign on the New Earth. I was surprised at the beauty and simplicity of these truths, and to see what a key they were to scripture. But afterwards came the cross. To renounce the church and be despised by relatives, friends and classmates seemed more than I could endure. I resorted to prayer; and blessed be God! he gave me the victory over my temptations, and I trust, the following original lines, that came to my mind, are the true sentiments of my heart. Shall I refuse to bear the cross,
Whate'er that cross may be;
Since Jesus bore it all alone,
And died thereon for me?
Shall I, for fear of feeble man,
Though all the world deride,
Refuse obeying heaven's command
When God is on my side?
Shall I to gain the world's applause,
Or self-love gratify,
Refuse to own my Saviour's cause,
His sacred truth deny?
No! perish every earthly hope,
And each ambitious plan,
I'll bear my cross, obey my God,
And fear not mortal man.
Shall I because it's best for gain,
Forget the seventh day,
And thus respect the man of sin,
But God's law disobey?
Oh God forbid that I prefer,
A human law, to thine!
What could I answer at thy bar,
For such a heinous crime? The struggle was as great, as when I first felt my sins forgiven, and the relief no less joyful. I now see why God laid his hand so severely upon me, and I thank him for it. It was to keep me from longer studying error, and to direct my steps where I might hear his truth. I do not yet see every point clearly; and I am not able to study the Word as much as I would wish, but I hope to "go on to know the Lord" and practice what I know. Pray for me that this may so be. Yours, in search of the truth, J. RUSSELL.