An Appeal to the Brethren in Wisconsin, and all Others who have forsaken the Third Angel's Message.
By Louisa M. Morton
I AM confident we have been in a great error in forsaking the Third Angel's Message, and receiving the doctrines of the future age. In so-doing we have wronged our own souls and grieved the Holy Spirit whereby we are sealed unto the day of redemption. Many of us have done it ignorantly in unbelief, and may hope for pardon through the Saviour's atoning blood. Let us take a retrospective view of our course for the last two years. Behold devastation and death in our ranks! Dead, spiritually dead! Denying the influence of the Holy Spirit, left alone to human reason to guide us in our investigation of the precious Bible. That word which the sweet singer of Israel said was a "lamp to his feet and a light to his path," we have assayed to study in our own strength. What have we gained? Where are we? Alas, alas for us! What has been the result of all our labor? Our opinions are as various as human reason can invent. It would be almost impossible to point out every view that has been cherished by those who profess to understand the future age and future truth. We are in darkness "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." Well may it be said of us, that we are "ever learning and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth," resisting the truth, reprobate concerning the faith. This is cutting language to apply to us, but can we deny it? Can we in the face of facts? My heart aches as I see our condition. "How are the mighty fallen! Tell it not in Gath!" That there is a future age and future truth I do not deny. But present truth and present duty should engage all our attention at this time. Perhaps it will not be amiss to give a brief sketch of my visit among the Sabbath-keepers in Michigan. They received me kindly, but I perceived they looked upon me with suspicion. They watched my movements narrowly, but be assured I watched them as closely as they did me. I very soon saw that the Lord was with this people. The evidences were not to be mistaken. The way opened for me to attend a conference at Hillsdale. There were two hundred Sabbath-keepers present, all firm believers in the Third Angel's Message. The messengers present were Brn. White, Holt, Waggoner and Cornell. I must say I was very much surprised when I heard the evidence presented in favor of present truth. They had Bible to prove every view they presented; and more than all, the Holy Spirit bore witness to the same. I realized more than ever the fulfillment of the Saviour's words, "It is expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart I will send him unto you again: howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth . . . and he will show you things to come." At the last meeting Sr. White was taken off in vision. It was the most solemn scene I ever witnessed. It has made an impression on my mind that can never be erased while reason and life remain. When she came out of vision she gave one of the most thrilling exhortations I ever heard. She repeated these words often: "Return unto me and I will return unto you, saith the Lord, and heal all your backslidings. I am confident that no one could speak as she did without receiving instruction from that Teacher who spake as never man spake. But this is not all the evidence I have that they belong to the family of God; that they are his own peculiar people. I have visited the families at Hillsdale, Parma and this place, and can testify that they are a very consecrated people. They have family worship twice, and some, three times a day. They all take part from the oldest to the youngest. It is a lovely sight to see parents and children all join in prayer and praise to one common Parent. The Lord blesses them in their home circles. It has been a continual feast to me. I could say, It is good for me to be here. They do not think they have attained to a position where they can cease to watch and pray; no, no. They expect very soon to see the consummation of the christian's hope. They realize that probation's hours are nearly closed, and that there is a great work to do, and but little time to do it in. I have given a simple statement of facts as I have found them. The church is rising, and I believe the way is being prepared for the loud cry of the Third Message. They are trying to lay all on the altar a willing sacrifice. They mean to make sure work for the kingdom, and not keep back part of the price, and thus wrong their own souls. The word says, "By their fruits ye shall know them." This being the case, I have no fears with regard to this people, as long as the Lord is with them; for a corrupt tree cannot bring forth good fruit. Neither can a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter. I am aware that my friends will be very much surprised on reading an article of this kind from my pen. I little thought when we parted I should send back such tidings. Truly I can use the language of another after seeing the dealings of God with his children, "What was I that I could withstand God?" I have a confession to make to you. I am sorry I ever lent my influence in support of what I now consider to be error. I thought I was doing God service, but now I see wherein I was mistaken. I have no confidence in the reports we have heard concerning this people. I believe them to be false. They have been an injured, and we a deceived, people. I firmly believe that the Third Angel's Message is, now being given, and I believe it will soon close. The warning to the Laodiceans is for the remnant. It is a fact that the Sabbath-keepers thought that they were rich and increased with goods, and had need of nothing, and knew not that they were wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. The faithful and true Witness says, I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve that thou mayest see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore and repent. Hear the lovely Saviour's call: Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Who will hear the Saviour's last invitation? Who will open the door of their hearts and bid him welcome? Methinks could we get a glimpse of what is going on in heaven, every energy of our souls would be aroused to action. Perchance the angel of mercy is hovering over the earth to bear tidings to heaven's gate that sinners are suing for pardon, and that their sins may go beforehand to judgment ere the Saviour steps out from between an offended God and offending man. Poor sinner! will you come? And the Spirit and the Bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely. Church of God Awake! AWAKE!! AWAKE!!! "Heir of the kingdom, O why dost thou slumber?
Why art thou sleeping so near thy blest home?
Wake thee, arouse thee, and gird on thine armor,
Speed, for the moments are hurrying on."
LOUISA M. MORTON.
Battle Creek, Mich.