D. M. SANBORN by D. M. Sanborn

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 5, 1860

D. M. SANBORN

By D. M. Sanborn

From Bro. Sanborn.

BRO. SMITH: Feelings of sympathy for the remnant prompt me to write. Through the kindness of some friends we have the privilege of reading the Review, which we have done for some months past with much interest. As this is my first communication I may be pardoned for speaking a little of myself. I find myself spoken of as a Baptist preacher, in Bro. Loughborough's report of the Orion conference. Allow me to say that all the reason for applying that title to me, is that during about half of the past year I have had the privilege of speaking to the church and others, the word of the Lord, which continued to the time of our commencing to keep the Sabbath, which was, I think, the first Sabbath in November, since which time we have had some queries in our minds as to whether the Baptist church is really the kingdom of heaven, testing it by our Lord's words, "Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven; but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." Matt. v, 19.

When Brn. Cornell and Lawrence were at Lapeer with the tent, I had occasion to pass through there, and staying for the night, I heard Bro. C.'s reply to Woodruff. I had previously a good deal of prejudice against Adventists, having heard a great many strange stories about them. But before Bro. C. had finished his discourse I found the outposts of my prejudice giving way. His remarks on the subject of man's mortality were particularly interesting, as I had searched in vain to find the orthodox claim to inherent immortality sustained by the Bible.

When Bro. Lawrence was here holding meetings my health was such that I thought it not prudent for me to attend evening meetings at all; and my old prejudice saved me from any very deep regret on that account. But one thing that served to open my eyes was the very prudent remark of our pastor that "the best way to get along with these men was to let them alone, keep away from them entirely," which was quite different from his usual readiness to meet error.

By the great mercy of our Father in heaven we have been led to see the truth on the Sabbath, and we can say with Paul that we "conferred not with flesh and blood," but began immediately to walk in the light.

May the Lord in mercy continue to lead us into all truth, and establish us in the same and help us to perfect holiness in his fear.

Our numbers are few. Besides my own family, consisting of my wife and little girl 11 years of age, and myself, there are but two Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity, and we are so far apart that we are often unable to meet together, though we try to meet on every Sabbath for worship and mutual encouragement. We feel to pray that the Lord will use us as means, or at least by some means bring others to delight in his law, and take hold on his Sabbaths, or else open the way for us to walk with his people in some other place; for no earthly good can compensate us for the loss of the society of those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. May the will of the Lord be done.

In the love of the truth.

D. M. SANBORN

North Branch, Mich.