As Communications of esteemed Brethren sometimes contain expressions which we choose not to use, and sentiments which we would not advance, we would say, that we are not responsible for what appears under this head.
From Bro. Wheeler.
DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I would say through the Review to the dear saints scattered abroad, that I am yet striving to overcome and gain the Rest that remains to the people of God. And while many are laboring to remove the landmarks, and extend the prophetic periods into the future, I feel to rest down on the "original Advent faith," or upon the rock bottom: their principles being fully sustained by the word of the Lord.
By these principles the great prophetic period of the 2300 days is shown to have terminated in the Autumn of 1844, and that we are now in the time of the "cleansing of the Sanctuary," giving a perfect harmony to the different parts of the great period, showing an event at the terminus of each, corresponding with those marked in the prophetic chart. The vision once made plain upon tables, the tarry, the slumbering of the virgins, the cry that aroused them, and the event symbolized by the coming of the Bridegroom all find their corresponding fulfillment in the movements of the past; the last, in the change of the work of our High Priest from the first to the second apartment of the heavenly Sanctuary.
The great move in 1844 shows a fulfillment of prophecy that shines out upon our pathway to the Kingdom like a great light placed at the entrance of a harbor to guide the toil-worn mariner which when he has once passed, he knows that he shall not have to pass again; but rests in the quiet assurance that he shall soon gain the port and be at rest. So we, having passed these great way-marks need not expect to see them again by a repetition of the same movements, but may rest with perfect assurance that Christ will soon come. The gospel ship will soon anchor in Heaven's broad bay, and the saints pass the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem and partake of the fruit of Life's fair tree.
Seeing then my brethren we look for such things how diligent should we be to be found of him in peace without spot and blameless. What manner of persons, truly, ought we to be in all holy conversation and godliness. Our words should be few and well chosen, and such as shall minister grace to the hearers. Our every act should tell for the interests of God's cause, and for our own advancement in the great work of preparation for the day of God. Our closets should be often visited, and secret prayer must often fervently rise from our hearts and lips to God. Our family devotions should be deep, fervent and spiritual; and as we enjoy the privilege of meeting with the saints, our fervent prayers and warm hearted exhortations should show that the truth has a large place in our hearts, and by every possible means should we seek to advance the cause of God.
Brethren, our position is a solemn one. A great responsibility is resting on us. The work is great. Our time to labor is short. The reward will soon be given to the faithful. None in that day will regret that they have done what they could. Our time, our talents, our property, all belong to God. Soon he will call us to an account for our stewardship. God grant that we may be found faithful and finally enter the joy of our Lord.
I have been laboring in this State about two weeks. I held one meeting in Portland. Several causes have served to hinder the cause of truth in that place. But a few are striving to hold fast the truth unto the end. The second Sabbath in this month I spent with the old and tried friends of the cause in Topsham. Our meetings were pleasant and I trust profitable to all. The evening after the Sabbath, and on First-day I held a meeting in a school-house about five miles from Topsham village. Quite a number came out to hear and listened with good attention. Several became quite interested in the truth and wanted publications, &c., to aid them in their investigations. Last Sabbath and First-day I held meetings with the brethren in Brewer. The brethren came in from Bangor, Orrington, &c. A few came in to hear the reasons of our faith. I had a free time in presenting the truth. At our last meeting one wanderer, with tears of contrition, desired the prayers of God's children, expressing her determinations to walk in the ways of truth. The brethren here have been passing through trials, but the prospect now seems brighter, and the church seems to be rising to higher and holier ground.
Those advocating the new-time theory, are making a great effort in this part of the State, but yet I find a few who are interested to hear on the third angel's55message and the commandments of God. I expect to spend a few weeks in this part of the State if the Lord will.
Yours in hope, F. WHEELER.
Orrington, Me., Feb. 21st, 1854.