Beginning to Publish
103
were present, also brethren and sisters from Topsham. The power of
God descended something as it did on the day of Pentecost, and five
or six who had been deceived and led into error and fanaticism, fell
prostrate to the floor. Parents confessed to their children, and children
to their parents and to one another. Brother J. N. Andrews with deep
feeling exclaimed, “I would exchange a thousand errors for one truth.”
Such a scene of confession and pleading with God for forgiveness
we have seldom witnessed. That meeting, the beginning of better
days for the children of God in Paris, was to them a green spot in the
desert. The Lord was bringing out Brother Andrews to fit him for
future usefulness, and was giving him an experience that would be of
great value to him in his future labors.
[128]
Advancing by Faith
At a meeting held at Topsham, some of the brethren present ex-
pressed their desire to have us visit New York State again; but feeble
health weighed down my spirits. I told them that I dared not venture,
unless the Lord should strengthen me for the task. They prayed for
me, and the clouds were scattered, yet I did not obtain that strength I
so much desired. I resolved to walk out by faith, and go, clinging to
the promise, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
On the journey to New York, our faith was tried, but we obtained
the victory. My strength increased, and I could rejoice in God. Many
had embraced the truth since our first visit, but there was much to be
done for them, and all our strength was needed in the work as it opened
up before us.
Residence in Oswego
During the months of October and November, while we were
traveling, the paper had been suspended; but my husband still felt a
burden upon him to write and publish. We rented a house in Oswego,
borrowed furniture from our brethren, and began housekeeping. There
my husband wrote, published, and preached. [
Nos. 5 and 6 of Present
Truth were issued from Oswego, N. Y., in December, 1849; nos. 7
to 10, from the same place, in March to May, 1850. Some tracts also
were issued during that time.
]