p. 155 | Untitled article by E. M. Brant

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, August 20, 1867

From Sister Brant.

By E. M. Brant

A LITTLE more than a year has passed away since I commenced keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. When my attention was first called to the subject by an absent sister, my mind revolted at the idea of keeping as the Sabbath, one of the working days of the week, and working while others worshiped; yet something seemed to whisper, “Don’t be afraid to read on the subject. If it is God’s truth, embrace it; if not, condemn it.” I did read, and tried hard to quiet conscience and sustain myself in Sunday-keeping, but all to no purpose. Light had dawned on my pathway, and I felt that I must walk in it. I had often spoken of bearing the cross, despising the shame; but oh! how little I knew the full import of the words till I came to the spot where I must tell my brethren and sisters and all around me, that henceforth I must keep the Bible Sabbath. I felt then that I knew something of the deep meaning of those words, “Going forth to him without the camp, bearing his reproach.”

But I have been sustained, and can now say with the apostle, Those things that were gain to me, I count but loss, for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. Like many others I am too far from those of like precious faith to sustain social meetings on the Sabbath, though my companion and six more are trying to keep the Sabbath in this vicinity. The minds of many in the community have been called up to the subject, and it is astonishing to me with what flimsy excuses they will try to quiet their consciences, and pass on with the multitude to the Judgment.

Said one man to me not long since, “To-day is your Sabbath, is it not?” I replied “We feel that it is the Lord’s Sabbath and are trying to keep it as such.” “So do I,” said he; “I can find nothing in the word of God to sustain the change.” Yet he went right on to do business on that day and keep the first. He professed to love God and keep his commandments.

Another says, “I believe the seventh day is the right day to keep; but the cross is so great I cannot take it up.” Oh! how can such read with pleasure the words, “He that hath my commands and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and if ye love me, ye will keep my commandments.” I dare not trifle with these things, lest it be said, “In vain do ye worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.”

And now I wish to say a word of encouragement to those who write, print, and send out the Review. If Christ will say in the great day of final reckoning, “Inasmuch as ye did it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it unto me,” what will be your reward who are weekly feeding so many with words of encouragement, of warning, of knowledge! Where could the scattered believers in Christ’s speedy coming look for such comforting words; such strengthening food; such light for their pathway, if it were not for the Review. Then let the printers be encouraged, and you who have written, write again. You who have sent out the silent messengers, send others. They won’t be lost.

And to you who are troubled, persecuted for your faith and hope, I would say, Bear it patiently a little longer. He who watches the falling sparrow, will know when your cup is full. He waits with interest to remove the cup of affliction, and give you the crown of glory that fades not away.

And here I want to acknowledge a debt of gratitude I owe to some unknown hand, and to whom shall I ascribe it? I refer to the receipt of the Review, paid for to Vol. 31. Shall I ascribe it to a kind Providence who has always so kindly watched over my interest? Yes I do, and thank his holy name; but that Providence moved some heart and hand to bestow the gift.

E. M. BRANT.

Clayton, Minn.