DEAR BRO. WHITE:—When I realize the goodness and overruling power of God in leading my feet into the strait and narrow path, I, truly, feel that I am a monument of his mercy.
In the Winter of 1843 and 1844, a small tract was providentially placed in my hands, a publication of Bro. Fitch. I read it over and over, and it was sweet to my taste. I commenced searching my Bible with an energy that I had never before felt. Living in a secluded place, I knew nothing of the Advent movement, and in the Summer of 1844, the Lord saw fit to place me where I must let go of the Bible as the rule of my faith and practice, or leave the church. He enabled me to trust in his word, and to leave the Baptist church, with which I had been united twenty-six years, and which I dearly loved. He gave me grace and strength to stand, as it were alone, while my unknown brethren were tossed upon the waves of disappointment and trials of various kinds. Thus the Lord knows and tries his children; for many shall be tried and made white.
In the Winter of 1850, F. Miller Jr. came to our place and delivered several lectures. I soon found myself united with about twenty-five who professed the love of Christ's appearing. But when I saw that I must keep all the commandments of God, I must again be severed from those most dear; yet there are a few of that number that are willing to obey God, in spite of a scoffing world, for which I can truly praise the Lord.
O, how my heart has been pained to see the scoffs and cruel misrepresentations in the Harbinger, both of the word of God, and those that proclaim it.
Bro. Bates was at our house when the conversation referred to in the Harbinger, under the caption of "Vain Talkers," took place. Brn. D. Hewett, A. A. Dodge, my husband and myself were present, and did not hear Bro. Bates make any such expressions as he was charged with. A promiscuous conversation took place about the Harbinger being a dear paper, and Eld. Marsh making a profit in the business. By what means H. C. Mason could have got his impression, I know not.
Brn. Rhodes and Case have been represented in the Harbinger as being wolves in sheep's clothing, for advising people to stop that paper without paying for it. Bro. Rhodes is a stranger to me, but Bro. Case has taken a very different course, so far as I am acquainted, by advising those in these parts to pay to the uttermost farthing, and give no occasion to be evil spoken of, save for the truth's sake. But let us not render railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing. Let us be patient, and establish our hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. They that have pure hearts, and clean hands shall abide in my tabernacle, and dwell in my holy hill, saith the Lord.
May the Lord help us to do his commandments, that we may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the City.
MINERVA M. CALKINS.
Climax, Prairie, Mich., Oct. 4th, 1852.