DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel somewhat as did the woman, represented by our Lord in the parable, who having ten pieces of silver, and losing one, did light a candle, and sweep the house, and search diligently till she had found it; and when she had found it, she called her friends and neighbors together, saying, rejoice with me; for I have found that which was lost.
After a most laborious effort, in searching for truth, I think that, by the grace of God I have been able to discover the last link in the golden chain of truth, that reaches from Paradise lost, to Paradise restored. I am at last convinced that it lies in the message of the third angel of Rev. xiv. I have for thirteen years past, felt deeply interested in the subject of the Advent, and have, by the grace of God, borne a humble part in disseminating the glorious truths on that subject, till about one year ago, when a partial failure of health, obliged me to desist almost entirely from public labor. Never have I prayed more fervently, or searched more diligently for light, than I have for eight months past; and "I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord," I think, I have at last found it.—I believe, without a doubt that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God, and that there is not to be found in the Bible, any intimation of a change from the seventh to any other day of the week; I believe the heavenly Sanctuary to be the one that Daniel was instructed would be cleansed at the end of the 2300 days, and that that period ended in the Fall of 1844; that Jesus then entered the "Holiest;" that he will speedily finish the work assigned him in that apartment; that he will come out in grandeur and in glory; that he will return to earth in like manner as he was seen to go up into heaven; that he will receive the kingdom and give it to his people. It may be thought strange by some, that I have been so long in the investigation of so plain a subject; perhaps I have been too tardy; but I would rather stand still, than go the wrong way, and I have been resolved that I would not step till I could see by the light of the Lamp that my feet were directed by wisdom; and I think the Lord has directed my steps.
My prayer is, that God would restore my health, and by the leadings of his providence, so open the way before me, that I may again enter the field of public labor; that I might again bear some humble part in searching out the scattered sheep of the house of Israel, and pointing them to the true Shepherd as he ministers in the Most Holy Place. I desire, if it be the will of God, to finish my course on the battle field; but be this as it may, I know if I endure to the end, I shall not be denied the privilege of joining the shout of victory, when the battle is won. Permit me through this medium to present my most hearty thanks to those dear brethren who have labored so faithfully to call my attention to the investigation of these truths, who have endured the cold storms of Winter and the dusty heat of Summer, to persuade me to examine the subject.
I have the pleasure to inform you that my companion is with me in the reception of these blessed truths, and we are trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.
Yours in hope, ALBERT STONE. Eden, Vt., July 17th, 1853.