Bro. B. B. Brown, of Beloit, Wis
By Editor
BRO. B. B. BROWN, OF BELOIT, WIS.—The readers of the REVIEW will remember the excellent communication from the pen of this dear brother, published last May. For him, we have felt a deep interest. Many of the friends in Vermont, and in this State, have inquired for Bro. Brown. That the brethren may know his position, we take the liberty to publish a portion of a letter recently received from him. Ed. “I have had it in my mind for several days past, to write you a few lines, but having nothing of special interest to communicate, I have thought I might as well keep silent. I am aware however, that you, and others also, who have been kind enough to visit us in months gone by, feel a degree of solicitude regarding our spiritual welfare, and a desire to know how we are prospering,—whether we are standing by faith, or are among the fallen ones, who oppose themselves against the truth. I cannot give as good an account of myself, nor of the spiritual condition of things here, as I could wish. And yet there is nothing of a flagrant nature among us. We are at peace among ourselves, and striving to keep all the ‘commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus,’ so far as we understand it. We hold meetings on the Sabbath, alternately, at my house, and the house of Bro. Thayer. It gives me pleasure to hear from the despised remnant in different sections of the country, and of the sacrifices that are made for the spread of light and truth. I should rejoice greatly, could I have my mind as well established on all points, said to be a part of the ‘third angel’s message,’ as our brethren in different parts of the country seem to have theirs. But it is not so. We are established and settled, in relation to the Sabbath; and also in relation to the cleansing of the sanctuary—that it is the heavenly place, and is now being purified by Christ, with his own blood.—That the prophecy contained in the parable of the Ten Virgins, is now a matter of history, is also clear, and without doubt. But farther than this, some of us have either not got the light, or else it has not been so presented that we have been able to comprehend it. We see a kind of plausibility in many things, and yet many difficulties. I believe we all desire to know, and embrace the truth, that we may be sanctified by it. In regard to our dear brethren who have visited us with this message, I have no fault to find; ‘but contrariwise,’ I am truly grateful for their visits. Nor have I any grounds for complaint that they did not make a longer stay; for they felt impelled onward, as if crowded by an Omnipotent hand, to give the message to others. And yet it is much to be regretted, that their flight through this country was so rapid; unless others, equally able, could follow in their track, ‘confirming the churches’ in the truth. It seems to me quite certain, that in some places, there would now be a church of much worth, could they have enjoyed the faithful labors of some able, and pious brother, until they were confirmed, and ‘able to give to every man a reason, for their hope.’ Some people embrace the truth suddenly, without much examination; and if then left to find the evidence themselves, especially if it is unpopular, and conflicts with self-interest, they are most sure to make shipwreck of their faith. Hence the importance of ‘line upon line,’ and precept upon precept, until they are rooted and grounded, and sealed. I have always been slow to believe new things. Perhaps too slow. It may be my ruin at last. Yet I cannot embrace any thing as truth, until I have faithfully tried it by all the objections that can be brought to bear against it. Whatever I find, however, to be truth to-day, I do not find to be error to-morrow. Should be glad to see you here, or any other of the faithful brethren.”