Frisbie’s Lectures and Interest
By J. B. Frisbie
BRO. SMITH:—I have lectured forty-four times since I left home. I closed my lectures in Portland, since I wrote last to you. Some at that meeting were deeply interested, and have commenced to keep the Sabbath, as I understand; but I do not know how many. One Methodist woman told one who was interested that if she had the power, she would have all these Advent folks put to death. Well, says the other, now I believe the doctrine more than ever; for that is the dragon spirit. I understand she is now keeping the Sabbath. I went from Portland to Green Bush, about 30 miles, to Bro. Richmond's. I lectured in three different places some two weeks. Some gave good attention to the word preached. A goodly number appeared199to be convicted that we have the truth. I believe the Lord has children there who will obey him by keeping his Sabbath. I closed lectures in a neighborhood north from Bro. R.'s, where they had never heard anything before on the subject. There were large congregations and good interest manifested. What the result will be, I cannot tell. If I should do like the Methodists in their excitements, put down all that come to the anxious seats as converts, as I learn some do; we might report many. But six months might not find them. Truly “many are called, but few are chosen.” No one can know of the trials of a messenger, except those who go to proclaim the Third Angel’s Message, and feel its wearing cares and responsibilities. To think and know that God has entrusted souls to their care, for which they must give account. It gives me bad feelings when I find any one discouraged or bewildered by the enemy. How many cunning and artful snares are set to entrap the feet of the honest and unsuspecting to turn them out of the way. If God had not a great care for his children I should be clear discouraged. But best of all we can know that God is for us, and who can be against us. The Lord be praised, who knows our hearts. Glory be to his name! Your brother in Christ, J. B. Frisbie.