Missionary Work by Editor

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 21, 1883

Missionary Work.

By Editor

The following letter and extract were read at the missionary meeting in Oakland, Cal., on the evening of June 5, 1883:—

——, May 28, 1883. EDITOR SIGNS OF THE TIMES—Dear Sir: I have felt great gratification in the perusal of one of your papers to find that I am not the only believer in the important themes set forth therein.

Though I was cradled in Methodism, and have for some years been in the local ministry, my creed is vanished before the all-searching light of God's word. Sometime ago I had my attention called to the unreasonable dogmas of inherent immortality, eternal torment, and an ethereal sky kingdom, and by a careful perusal of the Scriptures I discovered that I had no warrant for my belief; while I found that the personal reign of Christ on earth, life and immortality through him, and the final destruction of the wicked were taught so plainly, that I wondered at my not seeing it before. I could not help preaching and enforcing my new-found truth, so I am no longer accepted among the M. E. Christians, while on the other hand I can derive no benefit from the associations of a sect whose teachings is but a stepping-stone to many gross forms of religion.

I saw something about your paper, and hoping that there might be something to help me in my loneliness, I sent and got it forwarded. The only question to which my attention has not been called is that of the Sabbath, and, while I see at once that there is no authority in the Bible for the altering of the day which God commanded to be kept, it puzzles me to know how the S. D. Adventists can keep the seventh day with all the world and its customs arrayed against them. I would like to hear from you on this subject, and I would also like to become a member of your church, though I feel at present as if I were cut off from this and all other religious privileges. Will you please let me know the necessary preparation for to become a member of your church, so that if my way is opened to reside in —— I may find those whom I believe to be God's people willing to take me into the fold. I remain yours respectfully.