Letters by E. L. Barr

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 24, 1859

Letters.

By E. L. Barr

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

From Bro. Barr.

BRO. SMITH: I have been making some efforts of late to spread the light of the present message in this region, where many profess to love the blessed hope, but few are willing to submit to the refining process through which the saints must pass in order to share in the glory at its consummation.

Dec. 26th, and Jan. 2nd and 9th, I gave lectures on the present truth in a meeting-house at Lynn, where I found a small company of disciples looking for Jesus, who appeared willing to follow the Lord fully as soon as they could do it understandingly. They listened attentively to the word spoken, and saw some light on our present position. The Lord bless them, and enable them to walk in the light. From thence I went to Dartmouth, to look after the interests of the Review and Instructor, as no brethren from there attended the conferences last fall when Bro. White was on his Eastern tour. I did not expect to stop here but a few days, as I supposed there would be no chance to present the present truth in new places in this vicinity; but in this I have been happily disappointed. I arrived Jan. 14th. The weather was rainy and the traveling bad. Yet Bro. Collins' first effort to find a place proved successful in securing South Freetown meeting-house, which was well filled with candid hearers. On the evening of the 17th, Eld. Chase of the F. W. Baptist order was present, and endorsed what was said in relation to our Saviour's promise to return, and the signs that were to precede that event, saying it was Bible doctrine. Another appointment was left for the evening of the 20th. When I returned to attend this meeting, word was sent to have a meeting at the Mason meeting-house the next week. As the messenger could not stop to our meeting this evening, and wished to carry back word, we gave an appointment for the 27th, and then proceeded with our meeting, at the close of which a request was made for those that wished to hear more on this subject to manifest the same by arising. Eld. C., who endorsed the sentiments advanced the preceding evening, arose and commenced telling what he had heard this sort of people say, and how their prophecies had failed, how he drove the doctrine out of the house in 1844, and told the people not to be alarmed, that all the prophecies were fulfilled at the first advent, and even the Son of God did not know anything about it, and we could not understand those beasts and horns, &c.

This testimony I suppose to have to outweigh that of Daniel, Joel, Amos, Nahum, Jesus, Paul, Peter, Jude, and many other inspired witnesses that testified to the truthfulness of our position, besides the historical facts that every man of his profession ought to be well acquainted with. When he had concluded, the request was again repeated for those to rise that wished to hear, when it became evident that the Eld.'s testimony was not received by all, and so an appointment was left for the 25th. After the meeting closed we received an invitation to hold meetings at the Advent chapel, at North Fairhaven, and sent on an appointment for the evening of the 26th.

Our third meeting at South Freetown was well attended, and good attention paid to the word spoken, though a very few appeared a little disturbed because the law of the Lord was so perfect. At the Mason meeting-house we met a large congregation, many of which listened attentively. I have now given four lectures at the Advent chapel, which have been listened to with interest by some, who like the noble Bereans, are searching to see if these things are so. May the Lord give them his blessed Spirit to guide them into all truth.

Last evening, Feb. 2nd, we gave the first lecture that has ever been given on the subject of the second Advent in the Methodist meeting-house at Fairhaven Plains, where we were blessed with the good, free Spirit of the Lord, and a good congregation, with the best of attention. Some seemed really anxious to hear more, so we left another appointment. Besides these meetings, we have attended eight meetings at private houses, and should have had more had the weather been favorable.

Having heard recently from Lynn that two have commenced keeping the Sabbath, and others have a desire to hear more of the truth of the Third Angel's Message, I expect to return the first of next week, with full confidence that God will yet have a little company there that will honor him by walking in all of his commandments and ordinances blameless.

And now let me say, dear brethren, that it is evident that God by his Spirit is preparing the way for the wider spread of truth here in the East, and how much your help is needed. That holy living before God and the world, and those fervent prayers and soul-stirring exhortations are as much needed now as ever. Do heed faithfully the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, consecrate your entire all to God anew, and improve faithfully this last chance for saving precious souls while the last few mercy-drops are falling, so when all is over and probation ended, you may be found of him in peace without spot and blameless.

E. L. BARR.

North Fairhaven, Mass., Feb. 1859.