Reports of New England Conferences
By Charles W. Sperry
BRO. SMITH : Incessant labor and poor health have been the cause of my silence for some time past. I have had the privilege of attending the conferences appointed in New England, with other meetings, all of which have been in harmony with Joel ii, 15: Sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly, &c. The Lord has manifested himself in power, searching the hearts of his people, and leading them to return unto him with fasting, weeping and mourning over their past follies and errors. A minute account of these meetings will be given by others. The meeting at Rouse's Point, which continued four days, was one of deep interest, and I trust of lasting benefit. The brethren came from several counties in N. Y., and a goodly number from Vt., and engaged with zeal in the work. Brn. Byington and Lawrence were present to help in the work. Also Brn. A. C. and D. T. Bourdeaux. We all tried to humble ourselves before the Lord, by which we were led, by the good Spirit, to see some of our faults and put them away from us. All, I believe, are acknowledging and trying to receive the counsel of the faithful and true Witness. Some who had been partially convinced of the truth took a decided stand, and others who never had embraced the Sabbath, resolved to walk in the truth, and sinners were caused to weep. Some of the brethren confessed their indifference about having a conference, but were now thankful for it. Bro. C. O. Taylor was set apart by the church by the laying on of hands, to labor in word and doctrine as the Lord may direct; and Bro. John Whipple as deacon. I trust much good will be the result of this meeting. Parents resolved to go home and confess to their children and their neighbors, and strive for a holy life, and my ardent prayer is that the Lord will strengthen them and me to carry out every good resolution and desire. I do believe that we are receiving the last counsel from the true Witness. I confess that I have been poorly qualified to do the work of God, to help the erring ones, to restore the wandering. I feel that I will try by fasting and prayer to secure a frame of mind that will better qualify me to engage in this last holy work. I believe this counsel will give rise to the loud cry of the Third Angel. And when we get the gold tried in the fire, and the white raiment, then will be fulfilled what John saw, [Rev. xix, 11, 14, 19.] And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse, and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. And verse 14 says, And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. A corresponding passage to the last named verse is found in Rev. xiv, 4. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. But says one, John saw them in heaven. As an evidence that this is a symbol of work here, read the 19th verse. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army; which is a corresponding passage with Rev. xii, 17. And the dragon was wroth with the woman and went to make war with the remnant of her seed which keep the Commandments of God and have the Testimony of Jesus Christ. The linen, white and clean, [Rev. xix, 14,] is the same as the white raiment in Rev. iii, 18. This is the battle to be fought, and the Lord is giving us opportunity to get on the armor, and it is with energy and much zeal that we must engage in this work. Now brethren and sisters, shall we remain indifferent to this last counsel. One translation reads, Be zealous and reform. We must arouse for the conflict that is before us, and all we do and say must tell for God. Our lives, our words, our countenances, and all must declare plainly that we seek a country. Brethren, do we realize that Israel must be free from wrongs, to be successful when they go out to battle. I do feel that a deep sense of these things should rest upon us, and a great effort should be made to get every thing right that the Lord may go with those who go with the tents and other ways the coming season. I believe and feel that the time is come for us to cut loose from this world, and walk out by faith as we did by sight in 1844. Our estimate of eternal life is very small when we cannot leave all this world for it. The conflict is before us, the work is a solemn work, the event is momentous. Who will prepare? The battle is a final one. Who will get on the armor? The victory will turn on Zion's side. Who will fight? Come brother, come sister, let us turn the battle to the gate. C. W. SPERRY.
Berkshire, Vt., Feb. 23d, 1857.