p. 46 | LETTERS by R. C. Farrar

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 2, 1861

LETTERS.

By R. C. Farrar

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

From Sister Farrar.

BrETHREN AND SISTERS : I hail with joy the weekly visits of the Review, bringing so many cheering testimonies and stirring exhortations. My heart beats in unison with the remnant people, and I long for the time to come when we shall be perfectly established in the unity of the faith. I thank God that we are not left without some special manifestations of his Spirit in this evil time, but he has deigned to give us messages of correction and encouragement through the gift of prophecy.

One thing in Testimony No. 6 particularly hit my case. It was in regard to novel-reading. The pages of fiction have always had a very strong fascination for me, and though I have tried to break off from this evil habit, I have been now and then overcome by the seductions of some bewildering story-book. O, how many times in past years have I hushed the "still, small voice" in the pages of romance. I can now see that this pernicious habit has weakened my judgment in spiritual things, enfeebled my energies, and poisoned my imagination. But in the strength of God I am determined to overcome, and if any of my dear young friends who have embraced the present truth are in the habit of reading the light literature of the day, break off from it, I pray you; for it is one of Satan's strongest, though one of his most flowery chains. "Let us lay aside every weight, . . . and run with patience the race set before us."

The past winter has been one of gloom and darkness to me. The storm of fanaticism that burst upon our inexperienced heads, left us blinded and stunned, uncertain what to do, and fearful to take a step lest we should go wrong. I was afraid to claim God's promises, and seek the Spirit's influence, for fear I might be invoking some wrong spirit unawares. I was at times almost in despair. But I cried unto God out of the depths, and he hearkened unto me and heard my cry. I renewed my vows to God, and the language of my heart was,

"I can but perish if I go, I am resolved to try."

Though sorely buffeted by Satan, and pressed by various cares and trials, the terrible darkness was gradually dispelled, and light and hope sprang up in my heart. I felt to thank God and take courage. God in mercy sent Bro. Sanborn and Loughborough this way to reprove, instruct and encourage us. God bless the faithful messengers.

I feel persuaded that this is the time of which the apostle speaks, when men shall have a form of godliness, denying the power thereof." Fearful evidences of the fall of Babylon are multiplying on every hand. For instance, there has been a revival in the M. E. church, and some fifteen or twenty added to their numbers. Two of the members were particularly loud and zealous in their exhortations and prayers. But mark the sequel! Only a few weeks ago, while a Methodist minister was denouncing the sin of slavery, one of these men got up and ordered him to stop. But the congregation bid him go on. It seems the preacher dined at the man's house that day, and left his horse there. Finding he could not silence the preacher, he turned to leave, saying as he went, in tones of rage, "Take your horse out of my barn, or he'll be in the road in less than five minutes." And so he went home making sundry threats of mobbing and shooting abolitionists, &c. The other man has recently lost a suit in court, the law awarding to his opponent the house and property where he lives; but he swears to shoot the first man that comes to dispossess him.

Truly we are in perilous times. God speed on the work of the third angel, till the earth shall be lightened with his glory. I feel a great lack of spirituality and faith, but am determined to persevere in well-doing, hoping at last to gain immortality with you in the kingdom.

R. C. FARRAR.

Kingston, Green Lake Co., Wis.