Untitled article by Maria Jones

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 29, 1867

From Sister Jones.

By Maria Jones

BRO. SMITH: For years we have read and heard of the Adventists, and from report supposed all manner of things concerning them, and dreaded them as a pestilence. Our astonishment, and almost alarm, may therefore be imagined, when about seven weeks ago, we received the intelligence, that two Adventists had come to this village, pitched a tent, and would remain for six weeks. Our curiosity overcame our astonishment, and we went to hear them. Quite a change was wrought in our feelings, when we beheld and listened to the words of truth as given by Elders J. H. Waggoner and I. D. Van Horn, and as night after night we sat under their teachings, a new light dawned on our mind. What before had been dark, became clear and beautiful under their instruction. For six weeks these men labored day and night, bringing the truths of the Bible to light. Regardless of the sneers, scorn and anathemas heaped upon them by a misguided people, they pushed their way bravely through. Foremost in the rank of scorners stood the professed disciples of the meek and lowly Jesus; but truth will have its way, and in spite of all the wrong and evil reports circulated against Adventists, quite a number have taken the Bible for their guide, and have begun to walk in the new light.

The meetings in the tent were discontinued last Sunday. Tuesday, the 8th, Eld. Waggoner left us, and with him took our love and earnest hopes for the recovery of his health, which has become impaired through his labors here. Eld. Van Horn remains with us until the middle of November. He will preach every Sabbath, and instruct a Bible class, while he remains, in the M. P. church. This evening he begins a series of lectures in Port William. Quite an interest is manifested there in regard to Adventism. A part of the church trustees refused the use of the church at first, on the plea that too many infidels went to hear them.

With best wishes for the advancement of the cause of truth, I close this my first letter in the Advent Review. MARIA JONES. Green Co., Ohio.