An Interesting Letter

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 4, 1875

An Interesting Letter.

The following letter from a friend in Madison Co., Ohio, has just been received at this Office. Although a private letter, it will be of so much interest to our readers that we decide to make it public. First, because the friends of truth are glad to hear of every one who is turning from darkness to light. Secondly, because the writer, confused by the errors and superstitions he everywhere discovers around him, and seeking earnestly the right way, deserves the sympathy and prayers of God’s people. Thirdly, because, having an experimental knowledge of the principles and ceremonies of popery, he is prepared to testify that the Protestant churches have each retained more or less of the relics of that unscriptural system. Fourthly, because he has been providentially set upon the track of truth, by finding one of our pamphlets, in a way to greatly encourage, and stimulate the zeal of those who are engaged in the good work of scattering our publications over the land. We have sent him some publications, and trust that the Lord will guide him into all truth. His letter is dated Jan. 28, 1875; and he says:—

“I am a seeker after the truth, but am confused. I want to become a member of the little church that is marching on to victory. But where is this conquering band, God’s army, to be found? I have long attended the Catholic church, used holy water, and knelt down at the sound of the little bell, crossed myself and repeated Hail Marys, creeds, &c. I have invoked patron saints. I have read Catholic books. And at last I have read and re-read the Holy Bible, to see whether these things are true. After faithfully perusing the Scriptures, I find it out of the question for me to believe in the power of the priests, bishops, and their head, the pope of Rome.

“But I am now worse lost than ever. I have attended many Protestant churches, and am grieved to find in them all some part of popery. They claim to be Protestants, but they seem to me to be only very poor Catholics; for they condemn the pope, yet they hang fast to many of the very rottenest threads of popery.

“Who and what are the Seventh-day Adventists? I picked up a tract the other day, entitled, ‘Who Changed the Sabbath?’ and I am so interested in it that I have had to read it every day since. And, in fact, I am so completely absorbed in it that I want to, and must, know more of a doctrine that seems to me to be teaching people to turn from the errors of popery. Will you kindly tell me of this religion that teaches man to hold fast to the commandments of God, condemning the false power of the Antichrist, the pope of Rome? I do believe in obeying the divine commandments of God, in keeping holy his Sabbath day.

“Please answer this or hand it to some one who will take an interest in giving light to one who stands in a dark place. I feel like a lost sailor tossing about in the furious waves of mid ocean. Can you reach forth your spiritual hand and lift me from my dangerous situation? Help me, or I shall sink in despair. What am I to do to be saved?”