COMMUNICATIONS by J. Dorcas

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 26, 1857

COMMUNICATIONS.

By J. Dorcas

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”

From Bro. Dorcas.

BRO. SMITH: Permit me to say that Bro. Cornell has been down here among us in Ohio, “in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power,” so that we cheerfully acknowledge that his work has been the work of God. We have not only been faithfully advised of our true condition as the Laodiceans; but I wish here to humbly confess that I have been made to feel my truly abhorrent character before God. I have seen clearly that pride and selfishness have been mixed with all that I have done. And I feel confident that had it not been that we are living under the “better covenant,” God would have cut me down as he did Dathan and Abiram, who acted so inconsiderately before the Lord, as I have too often done. I consider my conduct towards Bro. White, in reproving him before the Conference last Spring at Battle Creek, with perfect shame. Also my opposition in general to those who were “set for the defense of the gospel.” I do sincerely hope that the brethren will freely forgive me all, as I believe the Lord has, and I humbly trust that a zealous and thorough reform has commenced in me, which may the Lord grant for his name’s sake.

Also the article that appeared in the Review a short time ago respecting the Office debt, I wish to recall, considering it out of place, and subversive of the end for which it was intended. I beg leave, however, to say that the continual appearance of the delinquency in the Review, without being materially reduced, was the inducement to my speaking out as I did. I ask the forgiveness of those dear brethren and sisters who were grieved with it.

I have never seen the work of God as I have within the few last weeks; and have no doubt but that we are in “the hour of his judgment.” The work of the judgment at the conference at Bro. Hutchins, was truly a solemn work. Since that time I have been reading and comparing (most of the time) the visions of the Lord to sister White, with the original scriptures, especially the prophecies relative to this time, and have never seen their excellence and use so clearly as at present.

I feel to take courage in that I have been chastised of the Lord, and have not fainted; though at the first it did not seem joyous, but grievous. Now I thank the Lord that he has not left me to my own way.

Yours striving for the victory.

J. DORCAS.

Fremont, Ohio, Feb. 10th, 1857.