Investigating Present Truth
By Sybil Whitney
Bro. Smith: You will wonder perhaps that I should address you so familiarly, being an entire stranger to you, only as I have become acquainted with you through two or three copies of the "Herald," left here a few months since by Bro. Lawrence of Bangor. In perusing the "Herald," together with some pamphlets published at your Office, a light has shone upon my mind, which, in the language of Milton, "beams darkness visible," and I feel inclined to open my eyes, though, at times, I must confess, I feel an apprehension that if I do, I am in danger of embracing false doctrines, as there so many false things in these last days that it has come to be with me almost the first idea when anything new makes its appearance; and were it not that I have proved old and long-received persons, opinions and doctrines false, I should not be so well prepared to obey the injunction, "Prove all things," or so careful to "hold fast that which is good." Remembering that the Saviour says that "every scribe that is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old," it has occurred to my mind, while I have been examining your doctrine, and proving it by the test of God's word, that the "words" which "are closed up and sealed until the time of the end, are the new things, while the Sabbath of the Lord and the saints' inheritance in the earth are the old. As the result of my investigation of these subjects, I am fully convinced that God has never changed the the fourth commandment, or authorized men to do it, and having long professed to be governed by the word of the Lord, I dare not any longer confer with flesh and blood, but have to-day commenced, under rather discouraging circumstances, to remember the Sabbath-day. I am alone in the community, in a family of eleven persons, all members of churches—one Catholic, two Methodist, and eight (including myself) Congregationalist. The Lord only knows what will be the immediate or final result of this step, but I "walk by faith and not by sight." The Lord has brought me, hitherto, by a way unknown, and I have proved him a safe guide, and am willing to be passive in his hands as to results; but as to duty, my cry unto him is, What wilt thou have me to do? I feel that I have given all for Christ, but O how frail I am! Who is sufficient for these things? This subject was first presented to my mind two years ago, but the difficulties of the way caused me to turn aside from it and go with the multitude, throwing a vail over my eyes lest the light should shine too clear, but I thank God that he has enabled me to submit to his will, if I am not deceived. Enclosed I send a dollar for the "Herald," for I feel the need of instruction, of counsel and encouragement. Asking an interest in your prayers, and praying that God will crown your labor iu the Lord with success, I am respectfully yours. Malone, N. Y., Aug. 1859.