Seeking the True Faith
By Phebe Brown
Bro. Smith : Upon mature reflection, I greatly realize the blessings which have been, and are still being, conferred on me by the Lord, and those who send me the Review, which brings good news, and glad tidings from a far country. With pleasure do I peruse it, especially that portion of it which treats on keeping the heart, as I am deprived of the privilege of meeting with those who worship God in spirit and in truth. I often think that were I so situated that I could mingle my prayers and praises with those who revere the name of God, and worship the Creator more than the creature, I should rejoice with joy unspeakable. A number of years ago I united myself with the Seventh-day Baptists, and thought them the favored people of God, and still think many of them are, but the majority I think have greatly departed from the true and living faith of the gospel. I remained with them several years, till, being constrained, as I thought, by the Spirit of God to leave, I accordingly did so, and am now trying to seek for a people who will labor with apostolic faith, willing that God should work in a miraculous manner, or by the smallest means. I need wisdom from on high to direct me in the right way, while living in this sin-polluted world, while one on the right hand and another on the left are falling away, discarding the truths of the Bible, and calling them a fiction; and those too whom I once thought to be the salt of the earth, I tremble in view of the result. How much longer will the Lord suffer his creatures to violate his laws, and trample them under their feet, and set at naught his counsels? Soon the time will come when he will say to them, Vengeance is mine, I will repay; and that in language too plain not to be understood. O solemn thought! to rush into the presence of a great and holy God guilty and condemned! 'Tis enough to arouse the hardest heart. I hope the Advent band will continue to cry aloud and spare not. Lift up your voices like a trumpet, and show the people their sins, till the Lord will call no longer, when probation shall be ended. And when you are bowing before the altar of the Lord, cast one prayerful thought to the Father of mercies for your lonely and unworthy sister.