Embracing the Third Angel’s Message
By I. N. VanGorder
Bro. SMITH: It is about one year since I embraced the Third Angel's Message, and I thank the Lord that I ever heeded it, for I was once a bitter opposer of the truth. I am at this time with my brother. I have tried to show him that he is trampling God's holy law under foot. He acknowledges the seventh day is the true Sabbath, but has not commenced keeping it yet. I have had some conversation with some of the neighbors, using the works published at the Review Office to sustain the doctrines I advocate, and I find they cannot gainsay them. They do not like to believe them, and yet they cannot overthrow one of them. It seems very strange that the mass of the people should be so blinded that they cannot see. But I at once revert to my own case; I freely confess, I was fully convinced of the perpetuity of the law long before I became obedient to it. Between popularity and reluctance to obey, I, like a drowning man, caught at straws. But I thank my God that he caused me to lay hold on the law of God, and then, having investigated the Scriptures more fully, I was enabled to see how near I came to perishing. My prayer is that we may all, through faith in Christ and obedience to his laws, be enabled to meet in heaven. Yours in hope of life. I. N. VANGORDER. Cecil, Pa. Nov. 28th, 1858.