Finding the Third Angel’s Message
By Eber M. L. Cory
BELOVED BRO. WHITE:—I feel thankful that I ever heard the sound of the third angel's message. It pleased the Lord about nine months ago to send one of his messengers into my neighborhood; viz., Elder S. T. Cranson, to give a course of second advent and Sabbath lectures, three of which I attended. I had formerly belonged to the Christian connection, and used to take the Christian Palladium, in which paper I had read considerable on the subject of Christ's second advent, especially during the latter part of Eld. Joseph Marsh's administration of that sheet, but among it all I never found any thing that I could so readily endorse as the explanation of the Sanctuary, which so satisfactorily accounts for Bro. Miller's disappointment in not meeting the Saviour in 1844; though I never felt disposed to deny or question the doctrine that Christ would at some point in time re-visit this earth; for several passages in the New Testament plainly inform us of that fact. Though I was immediately convinced on hearing Bro. Cranson lecture, that the Sabbath had never been changed by divine authority, but by papal, or human; yet, so strong is the power of custom, that I did not practically yield to my convictions of the truth (that the seventh day of the week was designed by the Creator from the beginning to be kept as the Sabbath until the end of time) until the 29th of April or nine weeks from the time that I heard the lectures. My brother, who became convinced at the same time, commenced keeping the Sabbath immediately. I feel determined henceforth while I dwell in this turbulent world, to try to keep ALL of God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. I have been a reader since last Spring of the Review and Herald and the Youth's Instructor, and am well entertained with their contents. How it cheers and encourages me to perseverance in the christian warfare to read the communications from the dear brethren and sisters in different parts of the country, wherein I can learn the state of the cause of present truth in their several vicinities; also their hopes, fears, and determinations. May the Lord help us all to be faithful in the discharge of every known duty, and constantly watchful that that day overtake us not as a thief. Yours in hope of eternal life.
EBER M. L. CORY.
Meridan, Ingham Co., Mich., Jan. 28th, 1855