How I Found the Truth by Mary L. Williams

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 24, 1872

How I Found the Truth.

By Mary L. Williams

NEARLY twelve months ago, at my Kansas home, I received a few tracts from a relative of mine who had just embraced the truth. I was somewhat prejudiced, and being a member of the Christian church, I thought we had the light on the teachings of the Bible; therefore the little tracts were scarcely noticed. Having been for many years a reader of the works of the reformed church, and finding them to differ on many points of Scripture, I had resolved to read my Bible only, and not the opinions of men.

I came back, two months since, to my native State (Kentucky), and while stopping at my relatives, religion was brought up, and I told them positively that I would not read Biblical views. They asked me to listen to the piece in the REVIEW, “Why Are you not Saved?” After hearing it read I could but pronounce it a good sermon. From that, I became interested, and found their views to harmonize with God’s word. I was not convinced, however, till I had a conversation

with two Disciple ministers. I was told by one of them that there was a distinction between the two laws, and also that the ten commandments were binding, and that the Catholics had changed the Sabbath. I inquired of him why he did not observe the fourth commandment. His reply was, that we had apostolic example for breaking bread on the first day.

I then asked one of our most learned ministers, the one who buried me with Christ in baptism. His opinion was that the two laws were abolished at the cross, and that it did not make any difference what day we kept if we kept it to the Lord. Not receiving sufficient satisfaction, I resolved, with a prayerful heart to investigate the Sabbath. I found no evidence for the first day, but I still delayed making a start, as my husband was in Kansas, and I was fearful of incurring his displeasure. But as Christ has said we should forsake all for him, I concluded last Sabbath to take up my cross with the “weak ones,” as they are termed here by the nominal church, and by a firm decision and mighty effort to rise above the clouds of doubt and fear to the serene heights of faith and peace in God.

What is this world with its vanities and pleasures compared with that heavenly city with all its bliss and blessedness? Who does not long to see the King in his beauty, seated on his glorious throne; and have his careworn brow decked with a jeweled crown? I greatly desire to live a humble life, so that I may at last meet with the ransomed throng around the great white throne.

MARY L. WILLIAMS.

Hardin Co., Ky., Dec. 11, 1872.