Lectures and Progress in the Present Truth
By John B. Frisbie
BRO. SMITH:—I have lectured nineteen times since I left Battle Creek, mostly in new places. A goodly number have listened with much apparent interest, and have bought books, and are interested enough to investigate our views. It is much easier to convince those who listen to us that we have the truth, than it is to get them to obey. Truly "many are called but few are chosen;" because many seek to know our views, "but few strive to do." Some give encouragement that they will keep the Sabbath, but I have learned by past experience to make but little reckoning upon what is often said; for some have said, "I will keep the Sabbath," and do not; and others say they think they will not, but do. I am encouraged that some who have heard with such good attention will obey the truth. I expect to commence lectures in Portland this evening. My health holds out good so far. My mind is quite clear for most of the time. I enjoy love, and peace of soul much better than usual. I feel to thank God and take courage. The church at Windsor remain firm in the present truth, which much cheered my heart. Much has been done to prejudice the community against us; but when it was heard that I was in the neighborhood, without appointment, a score or more came out expecting to hear; so I talked to them some two hours, while they paid first rate attention; and some new ones are waked up to investigate. I found a family who moved from Akron, Ohio, about two years ago, that were believers in 1843-4, who believe that God was in that move, and could never give it up. The Bro. said it was always unaccountable to him that the time passed. I told him that we could explain the cause of that disappointment and make it very plain. I therefore hung up the chart and began to explain. In a few minutes he said, "There appears to be light in that." And soon turned to his wife and said to her, "Here is light." He bought Bro. Andrews' Tract on the Sanctuary, the Three Angels, &c., and Tract on the Sabbath, Nos. 1-4, and said, "I will investigate this subject." I have been lecturing in Danby. One decided to keep the Sabbath. Others are persuaded it is right. A good many have been persuaded a long time, ever since Bro. Cranston lectured there, nearly two years ago. I am much in hope they may be stirred up to action in view of light, before it will be for ever too late.