Conversion to the Sabbath Truth
By Philander C. Byam
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel an interest in the cause in which you are engaged. The consolation I enjoy in believing in the soon coming of Jesus, causes the pleasures of this world to vanish from before my eyes. It is nearly two years since I first looked for my Lord's soon coming. I then, by a mere accident, heard that Sr. Chapman was going to speak in the school house. I thought I would attend, notwithstanding the prejudice I had to what they called, Millerism. I listened attentively to two or three discourses, when a flood of light burst upon my mind.—From that hour, the Bible became a new book. I embraced the truth with my whole heart, but soon I discovered that I had not the whole truth; I had only a part of it. Some time last Fall, God was pleased to send Bro. Andrews to this place. To him I listened with the deepest interest, while he explained the third angel's message of Rev. xiv. When he spoke of God's commandments, and presented the evidences of their perpetuity, a new flood of light burst upon me. From the Word of God, I then saw that Matt. v, 17; Rom. iii, 31, and James ii, 8, and many others of like import, had reference to the ten commandments. I then saw that the fourth commandment was binding, as well as the rest. This I also embraced with all my heart. I now rejoice in God through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, that I find the words of God verified which saith, in keeping the commandments there is great reward. I am not alone; for my wife and two of my children are endeavoring to keep the fourth commandment. We can now keep the Sabbath together, yet, they have not embraced the doctrine of the soon coming of the Lord from Heaven. O, that God would open their eyes, that they may see the truth of God's Word, which saith, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ. Rev. xi, 15. And a King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. Jer. xxiii, 5. O that I could express my feelings; but language is inadequate to the task. I take much pleasure in reading the letters from the brethren and sisters, in the Review. Yours in the hope of Christ's soon coming,
PHILANDER C. BYAM.
Ulysses, Potter Co., Pa., April 30, 1853.