The Third Angel’s Message
By William Gould
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I wish to say that I esteem the paper a great blessing. First, for the blessed truths it contains, and, second, for the encouraging letters from the dear brethren and sisters scattered abroad, on account of the success of the servants of God, in giving the last warning message that ever the inhabitants of earth will hear. O may God's Spirit accompany them, and may they be able to present the truth so clear, and with such force that it may strike conviction to every honest heart. I am by the assisting grace of God, trying to keep all the commandments, and the faith of Jesus, although not without trials and persecutions. Still I put my trust in God: He has promised to be with us in six trials, and not forsake us in the seventh. Being alone here and as it were among ravening wolves, we desire the prayers of the brethren and sisters. Our Beloved Bro. Bates called upon us in Oct. last, and gave us one lecture upon the third angel's message, which was very edifying. It being late in the day, it was not generally known, yet there were thirty or forty in attendance. I wish to inform you of the hostility here, against the fourth commandment. While on my way to obtain the Court House for Bro. B. to lecture in, I was informed by some gentlemen that the Presbyterian Church would not be occupied that evening and they requested me to get that. I called on the Pastor, told him my errand, and his reply was, "I will not consent to let any man preach in the church, that preaches any other Sabbath than what I preach; for I don't believe the doctrine, and I don't want my members to hear it." Said I, Sir, you believe that the Sabbath is changed from the seventh to the first day, will you please tell me how it reads in the New Testament? His reply was I don't wish to have any controversy with you. This seems to be the sentiment of all the different sects. Yours in Love,
Lawrenceburg, Ind., Nov. 1853. WM. GOULD.