NEWS FROM AFAR.
Paisley, Scotland; January 8th, 1852.
Dr. Thomas:
Dear Brother—I have several times purposed writing to you, but from various causes have hitherto been prevented. I do so now, in the first place, to thank you for the two numbers of the “Herald,” viz: No. 1, and 9, which you were kind enough to send me; with both of which I was much pleased, but especially the last, containing the “Synopsis of the Kingdom of God.” It has been well circulated amongst the brethren here, and has, I dare say, somewhat increased our knowledge and faith. That we may know more fully how things go on with you; and what you are now discerning in the “Signs of the Times”—which are certainly losing nothing of their ominous aspect—you will be kind enough to forward to me monthly a copy of the “Herald” for 1852; the annual subscription for which I shall forward to Mr. Robertson in London, on receipt of the first two numbers which I will expect next month.
I have not much to communicate to you in the shape of “News” that is likely to be in any way interesting. However, it will be gratifying to you to know that your visit to Paisley has not been without some results. Division—a common consequence, and good or evil as the case may be—has followed as one result—in our case, we hope, for good. The acknowledgment of the “Truth” confessed by Jesus to Pilate, and the public declaration of it, led to such unpleasant feeling in the church—other circumstances concurring to increase it—that a few of us who had more particularly attended you during your visit, such as brothers Fulton, Gilmour, myself and a few others, resolved to leave Stone street and meet together apart, so that we might enjoy the full liberty of “Searching the Scriptures” that we might thereby, as far as possible, become acquainted with “the whole counsel of God” without giving offence to any.
This withdrawal took place, as near as may be, twelve months ago. Our first meeting consisted of about 20 members. We were soon joined by a few more from the old place, and shortly thereafter by four individuals from other places by immersion. These four were converts by reading “Elpis Israel.” Our present membership will be 30 to 33, with no great prospect of rapid increase; nor is this a point we aim at. Our main object in the meantime is to enjoy the fellowship of the Gospel, and to have our minds more fully enlightened in the things which God has revealed by His Spirit in the Prophets, which had, until your appearance amongst us, been to most of us—a blank.
We have gained much in a release from the bondage of ignorance and sectarianism in which we were formerly held, and hope to gain yet more by a full knowledge of the “Truth” by which our liberty shall be complete!
With sincere desire that you may be long spared to prosecute the mission you have so disinterestedly undertaken, and that you may have the satisfaction of seeing the work prosper in your hand,
I remain, dear brother,
Yours with much respect,
ADAM TENNANT.
