Embracing the Advent Faith
By A. S. Cowdrey
Bro. White: I feel it a duty to say a few words to the brethren and sisters through the Review. It is but a few months since I first heard the doctrine of the S. D. Adventists explained; and I will simply relate the manner in which I was led to embrace the Advent faith. I had never seen a S. D. Adventist, nor knew that there was such a people, until some four or five months since, Bro. Daniels of New Boston, Mass., came into our neighborhood to work; and hearing that he was an earnest advocate of the Advent faith I felt a desire to see and converse with him. I accordingly sent him an invitation to spend an evening with us, which he very willingly complied with. The consequence is, I am to-day trying to serve God by keeping his commandments, and the faith of Jesus. I had been a member of the M. E. church over twenty years, and once delighted in the society and privileges which the church afforded; but for some years past, I have felt the need of a more holy religion than was generally practiced in our church, although there was always here and there one who like me mourned over the desolations of Zion. But, what to do, or which way to fly, I knew not. But oh when I heard through Bro. Daniels of the faithful few who were traveling to Mt. Zion in that straight and narrow way, and was enabled by grace to see the reasonableness and beauty of the way of holiness, as he exhibited it, by keeping the whole law of God, and planting my feet upon the rock of eternal truth, I must say, I was forced to confess that the call was of God and I rejoice that I heeded it and have dared "to come out from among them," and be separate. I stand alone; and though scoffed at, and derided, yet I feel confident of this one thing, that he that hath called me will carry me safely through, if I am faithful55to the grace already given. I feel very much the need of social meetings for prayer and praise, but as this cannot be, I turn for comfort to the word of God, and to the Review and Herald, which through the kindness of Bro. Daniels, I have had to read, and I must say it is the best spiritual food outside the Bible that I ever had. Many of the articles and especially the letters, are to me like food for the hungry, or like cold water to a thirsty soul. Brethren and sisters, my heart is with you, and I hope one day to meet you, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest—pray for me that I may have strength and grace to follow on, in my weakness, and loneliness, until I shall hear the voice of my Master, saying, It is enough; come up higher. Yours in the bonds of Christ in love. Colebrook River, Ct., Jan. 3, 1864.