Embracing the Present Truth
By Cornelius Lancaster
Bro. Smith: For the first time I attempt to address you in my poor way. About the first of January last I embraced the present truth. The Third Angel's Message took right hold on me. As soon as I saw that I was worshiping something in opposition to the Creator of the heavens and the earth, my very heart was moved within me. I feel to thank God to-day for the instrumentality that wrought the change in me and many others who are now rejoicing and looking for that blessed hope. Prior to my embracing the present truth I was an Advent believer of the old stamp, there being a church in the place, organized by Eld. S. Chapman, who told us we must not hear anything else—that there were those in the world that would try to draw us away from the truth and turn us unto fables. Said he, Don't you go and hear them. Well, I placed great confidence in Bro. Chapman, so much so that I became prejudiced against those who believed in the destruction of the wicked, non-immortality of the soul, and the Seventh-day Sabbath. When I heard of Bro. Ingraham's appointment in our place I thought I would not go and hear him, as I had heard so much about him and his belief; but when I saw others preparing for the meeting I thought I would not be alone; I knew that it would not hurt me to hear. With these thoughts I started for the meeting; but on my way there I threw away my prejudice, and thought if there was any more truth for me I was willing to receive it, and prayed to God to show me what was truth. I believe he heard my prayer, for as soon as I heard on the Third Angel's Message, and the Commandments of God, the Scriptures began to unfold to my mind. The Bible seemed to me like a new book. I can now say, O how love I thy law; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable. Dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, let us gird on the whole armor, keep the Commandments of God and have the Faith of Jesus, that we may be among his chosen when he shall appear. Will some of God's servants come this way that others may receive light on his word. Yours seeking for the truth and expecting deliverance soon,
Cornelius Lancaster.
Wileyville, N. Y., Nov., 1858.