To the Brethren by J. W. Marsh

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 21, 1863

To the Brethren.

By J. W. Marsh

DEAR BRETHREN: I address you through the Review to counteract, as far as possible, the wrong influence I have exerted in regard to the gift of the Spirit that is placed in the church to point out faults, and correct the erring.

When I first embraced the present truth, about eight years ago, I did not understand the importance of the gifts; but as there was so much light shed upon the Scriptures by the Second Adventists, and as the gifts were not a test of fellowship, I withdrew from the Baptist church, and united with the little company of Sabbath-keepers in this place, without being fully converted to the whole truth, and so left a wide door open for the great adversary to come in and deceive me; and I can assure you the opportunity was not lost, nor permitted to pass unimproved. Some faults in the brethren looked very large to me, and I soon embraced a sort of second come-out doctrine; and I looked forward with anticipation of yet seeing a people that would be separated or sifted out from among these, that would be pure; and when the subject of organization was recommended, I thought the time had come. I looked with anxiety to see how the plan would be received. The leading brethren in this State struck against it, and then the enemy of all righteousness began the work of temptation at the weakest point, namely, the gifts. They seemed to be the great cause of trouble, and the enemy was busy picking out faults in the visions, and wresting them from their true meaning. I had been warned of the influence that was exerted by E. W. W. in this State; but I could not see the danger, as I had but little acquaintance with him; but soon the influence came in a more comely form. One in whom I had the utmost confidence turned against the gifts, and it gave me strength to take my stand against them. I thought I had got evidences from him that proved almost conclusively that they were false; but thanks be to God, when my feet had well nigh slipped, Bro. J. N. Andrews came this way and set before us the subjects of organization and the gifts in their true light. The truth began to look brighter, and I began to see where I had gone astray, and the danger I was in, and I turned with full purpose of heart to undo what I had done against the truth.

Let me say in conclusion, that I am grieved when I look back upon my past opposition to truth; but I have had no experience that will not soon be forgotten. I can now see a beauty in the present truth that I never saw before, and by the grace of God I mean to walk in it.

Your brother in Christ. J. W. MARSH. North Brookfield, N. Y.