Letter From Catawba County on Sabbath Truth
[The following extract from a private letter shows the effect the truth has on minds in various parts of the country. The writer is a brother, living in Catawba Co., N. C.] Yesterday I took some of the tracts you sent me and went to my neighbor’s house, where several were assembled for work. I distributed them, all seeming anxious to read. The effect as yet I cannot tell; however, I think, yea, I know that it will do some good. While they seem slow to practice, I have never found but one of our best-informed farmers who did not seem half convinced that Saturday is the Sabbath; and if I were to speak my mind in full, I would say they are altogether convinced so far as the Bible is concerned. Tradition seems to blind them, yet the work is beginning, and I believe the Spirit of God is with it; if so, it will have its effect in spite of traditional doctrines. May God help his children to join heart and hand in this great work of reform. The people here are generally poor, but hospitable; generally ignorant, yet they manifest a desire to know the truth. I think this truth should be preached in every city and town, and not only so, but in every church and school-house, and in every other convenient place over this broad land; and I believe the time is here when it should be done. With this impression continually upon my mind, I can scarcely retain the plow handles.