AN INTERESTING LETTER by C. H. Williams

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 9, 1879

AN INTERESTING LETTER.

By C. H. Williams

Bro. Smith: My heart overflows with gratitude to God for the wonderful manifestations of his loving-kindness and tender mercies to me during all of my life journey, and more particularly for the special light imparted to me in a brief interview with Bro. S. B. Whitney, less than two years ago; also for valuable instruction received from some of your writings, by which I am made acquainted with you in thought if not in person.

For more than fifteen years I was engaged in proclaiming the “first angel’s message,” and I was made to rejoice in the hope of speedy redemption; but when the glorious light of the “third angel’s message” broke in upon my mind as an additional and exceedingly important “present truth,” its brilliancy excelled that of my former views, and gave a new impetus to my labors in the gospel. Some have dared to follow in this advance move, and are walking in obedience to the commandments. Others who have been warm friends to us in the past now engage in opposition and persecution. But the Lord holds us steady, and gives the assurance of constant care, providing we keep upon the sure foundation and endure hardness as good soldiers.

Our Conference in Rome, N. Y., proved a blessing to me; for there I was strengthened and encouraged by the prayers, exhortations, and sermons of those who have long been connected with this message. Truly the Lord was in our midst, and directed in all the deliberations.

Soon after returning home I found that a series of sermons modifying and changing the law of God so as to expunge the seventh-day Sabbath, was to be preached in the first-day Adventist church of this place; and (providentially, I believe) had been postponed on account of inclement weather. After making the matter a subject of prayer and due consideration, I concluded to go, and if possible act just as the Master would under similar circumstances. My presence, accompanied by the sweet spirit of Jesus, seemed to move the hearts of many; and the speaker, who had been my co-laborer in years past, was so touched that the tone of his arguments was softened considerably. By invitation, I cheerfully participated in the devotional exercises. The result was that unexpectedly to myself I had the privilege of delivering four discourses on “present truth” in the same house of worship. The interest was good, and some questions propounded by the pastor served to elucidate our subjects more perfectly; but what the result will be I am unable to tell. May God bless the effort, and open the way for further action.

As soon as health and circumstances favor, I purpose to enter upon my appointed field of labor, in company with Bro. Geo. D. Ballou, and we trust that the scattered ones interested in our mission will remember us in prayer. C. H. WILLIAMS.

Martville, Cayuga Co., N. Y., Dec. 26.