Truth Acknowledged by E. P. Daniels

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 1, 1872

Truth Acknowledged.

By E. P. Daniels

I WISH to express, through the columns of the REVIEW, my deep and earnest gratitude to God for the light of present truth, as proclaimed by the advocates of the third angel's message, who keep the commandments of God and HAVE THE TESTIMONY OF JESUS. And I know of no way that I can do so, that will result to his glory more effectually, than by confessing to the world at large, my wicked, obstinate, and rebellious opposition both to the precious truths you advocate and the spirit of prophecy as manifested in your midst.

For nearly one year, I waged war against those precious truths, and did several times express my convictions that these manifestations were of a Satanic origin, and that when I became a believer in them, I should be also ready to announce to the world my belief in modern spiritualism; and in my earnestness to break down the prejudice some held against the Sabbath (after I had become a Sabbath-keeper), because of the relation which it held to the visions, I even denounced them in the bitterest terms, reiterating many harsh and unkind accusations (which I received from some who, having been reproved by them, rebelled against them) into the ears of those with whom I once had to deal, to such a degree that their minds are now firmly fixed against them.

I have had a severe trial in trying to oppose the truth; but Jesus did know that I wanted to be saved, and that my opposition was not of a willful nature. So through his tender love, he wove together a chain of circumstances, in connection with my worldly business, that showed me my true position. I, who verily thought I was doing God service, was standing in the way of the truth, and thus impeding its progress. May God forgive me, and may those against whom I have spoken forgive me, for the harsh and very unkind course I have pursued in the past toward them. And in the future I will try by the help of God to adorn my profession with a conversation that will be void of offense both toward God and man.

In conclusion I would state to the many readers of the REVIEW that I firmly believe that sister White is a humble and devoted instrument, through whom God is speaking to this people of his choice, for whose final salvation he has set his hand to gather and prepare them for his kingdom.

And I am not alone in this settled conclusion. My wife also indorses the whole teachings of the third message, and the light relative to the mode of dress and manner of living, that we should adopt to fit us to stand when the wicked shall utterly perish. We have erected the standard of reform, and by the help of God, we are determined to live out its principles. Dear brethren and sisters, aid us by your prayers.

E. P. DANIELS.

Jackson, Mich.