Sr. Lee’s Conversion from Spiritualism
By Mary Lee
DEAR BRO. WHITE: For the first time I would say a few words to the brethren and sisters through the Review, and tell what the Lord has done for me. I was brought up according to the strict rules of the Church of England, and for seven years was in the families of learned men and preachers of that denomination. I often wanted to know something of Jesus. The Bible was a dry book to me, and seemed full of mystery, confusion and contradiction from the manner in which it was preached and practiced. I came to this country in 1850, when Spiritualism was rising. I thought it all a humbug and was sorry to see so many dear friends carried away with it. I was struck down with sickness and sorrow. I lost a dear companion and protector. In the midst of my affliction the enemy came with his sympathy, and I received it, and became a firm believer in his delusion until the Lord in his tender mercy sent his messenger, Bro. Phelps, this way to preach the last call of mercy to us here. What love and harmony and beauty I then saw in that precious book, the Bible. What precious promises to those that believe! What a stream of light fell on my hitherto bedarkened soul! I saw that the Lord had snatched me from the brink of destruction. I had been holding communion with the spirits of devils in darkness. I then saw why my Saviour died. What a plan of salvation! How gladly I received it! I was made to cry aloud, Glory to God in the highest, and at this moment I feel to say, Bless the *Lord O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name; for he has done much for me and mine. He has given me my present companion to join with me in the new song he has put in my mouth. I do not know how to express my feelings for such mercy to such an unworthy worm of the dust. O that I could be more faithful! that I could walk closer to my pattern! O that the Lord may cleanse me from the last remains of sin, for I want to be meet for the Master's cause. I feel very thankful for the Review. It has been a great help to me. How we love to hear from our brethren and sisters that we have never seen, but expect to see, if faithful, at the marriage supper of the Lamb. My heart is drawn out in love to the messengers, and to all those that have borne the burden through battles sore. We feel to weep over the trials some have to pass through. May the Lord help us to bear each other's burdens. Myself and companion love Sr. White's teaching. We feel that it is good for our instruction; and we hope to have the privilege of seeing her and yourself in our vicinity soon. We are young in the cause, but we have a desire to grow strong. The church here have prayer-meetings twice a week, and have commenced Sabbath School and meetings on Sabbath-days. The Lord blesses us in so doing. Our hearts were pained at the step Bro. Phelps has taken; for we love the cause and we love Bro. Phelps; and if we could say one word of good cheer to him we would do it. He has our heart-felt sympathy for his labor of love amongst us here. He labored day and night to spread the truth, and he has passed through deep trials with us, and borne our burdens. He truly is near and dear to us. We are his children; he has begotten us through the gospel. Words cannot describe our feelings for him. O that the Lord may direct him in these perilous times, and lift up the light of his countenance upon him, that he may see his way plain. I want to be on the side of truth, to take the word for my guide, and to get on the whole armor so that I may stand against the wiles and delusions of the enemy. Pray for your unworthy sister, and not for me only; our whole church desires the prayers of the faithful, that we may do every known duty and come up to our high privilege, and live wholly devoted to the Lord.