Paine’s Testimony to Present Truth
By Luther Paine
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I will inform you, and the dear, scattered flock, of my attachment to the truth, emanating from God, through the medium of his blessed Word. On the 10th of July, 1852, under the reign of grace, with decision of mind, I hoisted the holy star-spangled flag of the fourth commandment, to the top gallant mast head, destined to remain, and from thence, to wave in the breeze, and fresh gales of gospel truth, subject to the beholder’s approval or scorn, until our hope is consummated. The Sabbath question is plain and clear, together with the subject of the Sanctuary. I have been much blessed in the observance of the holy Sabbath. The opposers of the third angel’s message, in this region, I fear, are doing their last work. I am satisfied that the truth of the last message is drawing a line of separation between the lovers of truth, and those we have loved. O, I would that the eye-salve might be applied to their eyes, and cause the scales to fall, so “that they may behold wondrous things out of God’s law.” We must possess holy hearts in order to keep the commandments of God—“Israelites, indeed, in whom is no guile.” We are thankful to our God, that he has sent his servants to dig us out of the rubbish of error, into the sunshine of truth. My companion and two daughters are with me in the truth. Bro. Bates called on us recently, and gave one lecture, and meat in due season was presented. But our neighbors (being professed Adventists) had no appetite to receive it; their stomachs being so foul with error. But they were zealous in opposition to truth. I accompanied Bro. Bates to Barre, called on Bro. Newcomb, Cleaveland, who was sick. His physician, a few days previous, remarked, that he might live a week or ten days. He was inclined to receive the Sabbath truth, being honest in heart, and an Advent in the past. And having faith in the skill of the Great Physician, and in the use of the means which James directs, he requested Bro. Bates to present his case.—And in answer to the prayer of faith, the healing power was manifest. And praise, and thanksgiving (while he walked the room) flowed from his heart and lips to God. He proclaimed that he was made whole, with the exception of being weak. From thence we went to Athol. Bro. Bates gave them a plain discourse on the Sanctuary, &c., which should be received by all the lovers of truth; but the spirit of war was manifest in, and by the professed Sabbath-keepers. Yes, that spirit so unlike the Spirit of Jesus. But I will show you some of the fruit. One of the brethren clenched Bro. Bates by the collar, shook him, and then remarked that he did not do it, that it was God that did it. They would have us think they were the sanctuary. So much for Spiritualism. We were glad to get away. Yours, for the patience of the saints, and the faith of Jesus. LUTHER PAINE. Ware, Mass., March 7th, 1853.