E. P. BUTLER by E. P. Butler

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 7, 1863

E. P. BUTLER

By E. P. Butler

From Bro. Butler.

Bro. White: I have for a long time neglected to contribute anything to the columns of the Review, and very little for its publication. There have been various reasons, which I might assign, for this long silence. But the principal one has been a consciousness of my being unable to communicate anything that would enlighten or encourage any one to "stand fast." For some time previous to my leaving Vermont, I concluded that the Lord did not require much labor of me in spreading the third angel's message. I strove to learn the will of God in this matter.

I could not teach the coming of the Lord as very near; for I did not think it was nearer than six or eight years; and such has been the darkness and trials of my mind, that I have not till quite recently thought the event nearer than six or eight years; and in two or three instances where I have been called upon to show my position, I have feared that my answers have done injury. I have felt willing to remain silent. When I came to Iowa, a dark and discouraging influence weighed down my spirits. I saw, or thought I saw, the cause sinking, and I was sinking with it. This was in 1856.

The vision of sister White at a general conference in Stowe, Vt., had a great effect upon me. I supposed that it applied to the (then) present time, and if it did, I despaired of ever knowing when we were in the light. But as the light of the Laodicean message shone upon my mind, the darkness of the vision has been cleared away, and now it is one of the clearest evidences to my mind that God is leading a people, and warning them of the dangers that encompass their pathway. I do not wonder that any person having a clear view of the awful offensive state before God into which the church would fall in the course of three or four years, should writhe in agony for its safety.

I trust Bro. Cornell was sent here according to the will of the Lord. His lectures were calculated to dispel darkness, and cheer us on in the light. I regret that my mind was so enveloped in darkness that I could render him no service in his labor. I was completely bound; nevertheless, I trust his labors have been particularly blessed to me. I see in a clearer sense the value of that teaching which comes by the Spirit of prophecy. I see the coming the Lord years nearer than before he came. I see how applicable the Laodicean message is to me. It seems surprising to me that the stupidity and indifference that has rested upon me for six years, has not alarmed me more than it has; but I trust that I now feel grateful to God for his great mercy and continued kindness to me. I strive to heed the counsel of the true Witness, and am determined, by the help of God, not to cease my efforts till I have that love to God and man that the Spirit of the Gospel requires.

E. P. BUTLER

Waukon, Iowa.