The Law of Liberty and Ordinances
By J. S. Richards
BRO. SMITH: It is with pleasure I acknowledge the receipt of five pamphlets and six papers which you sent by mail, and which were received about one week since. I am really thankful for the favors and hope you may be rewarded at the resurrection of the just. My mind has been much interested while reading the pamphlets; and I have seen in them many points made very clear by the reasoning—many which had caused me much perplexity, inasmuch as I did not realize the marked distinction between the "perfect law of liberty," and the law pertaining to ordinances! Almost every query in my mind seems to have been anticipated and answered to my satisfaction. The papers are also profitable and interesting, and as they may be needed I hope you will be enabled to continue to publish, and if I become free from embarrassments of a pecuniary character, I hope to find myself disposed to subscribe for it for my own and others' benefit. I acknowledge that the Advent doctrine has done much for me, but the views of truth which seem to be presenting themselves really make a great harmony and bid fair to do additional work in the way of preparing men for the solemn events before us, and especially the last—the change which is to be wrought for the church—the change from mortality to immortality. I have never been able to see how God can save any man who is alive "at that day" unless that man is dwelling in the light—is so dedicated to God as to be in the place where he keeps all the commandments, and by so doing is accounted as having "right to the tree of life," &c. And yet I did not plainly see how much is expressed in the words, "his commandments," which are found in the Bible. Probably I do not yet see all the truth, but I am decided to continue to investigate, and I pray God to lead me in his truth. I am so much convinced that the seventh day is the true Sabbath that I ventured to rest last Sabbath, and although several wanted me to work, (I am a boot and shoe maker by trade,) I could not conscientiously do so, and to-day I look back to that day as the most peculiar of any in all my efforts to do my Father's will. Friday, at sunset, I was ready to say Sabbath, and Saturday, at sunset, I felt that I had arrived at the beginning of the first day of the week. To-day I have mailed two books, the Sab. and Ad. Miscellany, and Perpetuity of the Royal Law, to Dr. D. S. Richards, (a brother of mine, and well disposed towards the Advent truth so far as he has known of it,) who now resides in Richmond, Maine. And if I can see any prospect of getting his attention I mean to get other works into his hands, if the Lord will. I think I can preach easier and present a more beautiful and solemn array of Bible requirements than at any previous time. It does seem impossible to keep the light under a bushel. No man can tell how much my mind has reached after the truth, nor how bad I felt when I found myself again with those who never prized the Bible; and though I tried to enjoy their company and pleasurable pursuits, yet I often anxiously hoped I might once more get hold of something that I could see was both Bible and present truth, that would give me assurance of the right kind. Pray for me, and may we meet (if not before) where our hopes shall not be blasted, but where we shall see the King in his beauty. J. S. RICHARDS. Centre Lincolnville, Me., March 9th, 1858.