Standing Firm Against Persecution and Spiritualism
By M. J. Chapman
Bro. White: It affords me so much comfort to read the communications in the Review from the scattered saints, that I cannot refrain from casting in my mite. It is now more than two years since I embraced present truth, and I can say heartily, I have never regretted it, although I have met with some bitter persecution. But praise the Lord, that only strengthens me. I have only reason to regret that I have not made greater attainments in holiness, and been instrumental in the conversion of some of my friends and neighbors to the truth. I have endeavored in my feeble way to get them interested sufficiently to read my papers and books, but they make many vain excuses. The truth is, they are more afraid of being peculiar than anything else. I have been considerably awakened of late. Have felt the need of having on the whole armor. I find Satan is not absent from this place, and he has been secretly at work, thinking to undermine my faith; but the Lord opened my eyes to the necessity of my making the Scriptures my chief study, that I might have wherewith to resist his fiery darts. We have a rank Spiritualist in our neighborhood, who has been investigating some of our works, and who is convinced (judging from appearances) that the S. D. A. doctrine, with the gifts included, is the greatest barrier to Spiritualism he has yet found, and he is doing his utmost to find something to refute it. He does not succeed to his liking, therefore he undertook to circulate false reports about brethren he had never seen, but in both instances I had facts to nip the attempt in the bud, unless he is devoid of all honesty. It seems to me that the time is not far distant when the truth will be presented to the people here, and I can but think there are some in this large place, who will see and embrace it. In the meantime I will strive to walk carefully, but faithfully, that I may not bring a reproach upon the cause. I have long since laid aside tea, coffee, and all useless ornaments, and am trying to adorn myself with a meek and quiet spirit. I know that the Lord blesses me in proportion as I trust and obey him, and I do desire to so live that sin may have no dominion over me. I am very lonely at times, but so long as Jesus is my friend I will not complain. Time is very short, and I feel that we have all great trials before us, but, with sister Dayton, I want to be one of the tried ones. And although alone, I praise the Lord that he ever permitted unworthy me to hear and receive these glorious truths. May he preserve me, and not only me, but all the dear children of the remnant, until he comes. Yours in hope.
M. J. Chapman.