A LETTER FROM AFRICA by J. H. C. Wilson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 6, 1878

A LETTER FROM AFRICA.

By J. H. C. Wilson

For fifteen years I was a member of the Wesleyan Methodist church, and during the whole of that time I was deeply convinced of sin. Although the last three years of that time I was appointed class-leader and local preacher, I did not feel what I tried to point out to others,—the experience of a true believer in Jesus; but the more I studied their doctrines the more I became bewildered, until I finally decided to try no longer to attain that high of perfection which is set forth in the Scriptures; for when I examined their teaching in describing the personality of God, I found that it was altogether contrary to the word of God.

While disputing this matter with some of the brethren, Bro. Hunt placed in my hands THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES treating on the subject. I studied it well, and compared it with Scripture; and such beautiful harmony was displayed that I was led to read several of your works and compare them with Scripture. From this examination I am forced to acknowledge that the truth is with you; and I have since that time taken a stand for the truth, and am determined, with the help and blessing of God, to keep all his commandments.

As I have embraced the S. D. A. faith, it is essential for me to conform to the law. Baptism by immersion is one of the precepts set forth by the blessed Saviour; and this greatly troubles me, as there are no Baptists on the Fields. I find that our Lord and Master, before he went forth to proclaim his message of love to a perishing world, set an example in this respect. As I wish to move forward in this great work, it becomes me to walk in his footsteps.

There is a great work to accomplish here in the midst of the wealth-seeking thousands of the Diamond Fields, and I know that there will be great opposition; but with the blessing of God and the aid of the Holy Spirit, I hope to overcome all obstacles. I have persuaded one brother and three sisters to examine the truth for themselves, and they are ready to join me in this great work of proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, for they are fully persuaded that it is the truth. My wife is also with me in the work. There are two others now examining, and several others are fully convinced that you have the truth, and are ready to flock to the standard as soon as it is unfurled.

I ask the prayers of the church of God, and of his faithful ones, that I may be sustained and strengthened in this great work. With the help of God I hope erelong to see here in the Diamond Fields a flourishing church of commandment-keepers. The few brethren and sisters here who are striving to obey the truth send greeting to all the true believers in our blessed Lord, and ask the prayers of the united churches for the prosperity and spread of the truth in our midst. May God grant it for his name’s sake. Amen.

I remain your brother in Christian bonds,

J. H. C. WILSON.