p. 167 | Embracing the Sabbath by J. F. Wood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 18, 1869

Embracing the Sabbath

By J. F. Wood

From Bro. Wood.

DEAR REVIEW: Though far off, and a stranger, perhaps a few lines will be of interest. I have been troubled on the Sabbath question for the past five years, and have not been satisfied with the commonly-received orthodox opinions on many other questions. I had heard of Seventh-day Adventists, but knew very little about them.

I came to this State from Washington Territory, in July last, and did not expect to be troubled any more about the Sabbath. I traveled about three months in search of a place to settle, but could find none but this. About the time I was fairly settled Eld's. Loughborough and Bourdeau commenced meetings. I was prejudiced some, and did not go to hear them till Sunday came around, when I attended, and the Sabbath question was taken up. I supposed it made no difference what day we observed, but was open to conviction, and listened carefully. I discovered that for every position taken, a thus saith the Lord was read from the Bible to sustain it. I concluded to adopt that rule, and lay aside all preconceived opinions, and commence studying for truth. I soon found it, and also found the Bible to be a perfectly harmonious, and entirely different book from what I had ever supposed it to be. I soon after commenced observing the Sabbath of the Lord, and all doubts have fled, I trust forever.

The work has steadily progressed, notwithstanding it has been opposed on every side, by many professed ministers and people of Christ, till last sixth-day the tent was erected, nearly all the Sabbath-keepers in the State came together, more than sixty in number, and all but three or four, have come out since August. Service commenced Sabbath evening and continued till first-day evening. A better meeting I never attended. All united in sentiment, perfect harmony of feeling, satisfied to accept the whole Bible just as it is, and by the grace of God, determined to live up to its truths. The Lord was with, and blessed us. It was a precious season. On first-day hundreds filled the tent. Previous to the morning service fifteen went down into the water and were baptized, several of them old, and gray-haired. It was a beautiful, yet a solemn, scene.

Many are convicted, and are studying these things. In the evening we had a melting time. We talked, and prayed. Several rose up, confessed their sins with tears, and resolved to live for Jesus. Others will be baptized soon. In the afternoon we organized into a State meeting in order that the work might move forward more effectually, and without hindrance.

Many grateful hearts there are here now, who send their love, their gratitude, their thanks, to the kind friends East, for the efforts made to send the present truth to this coast; and we will do all we can to spread it. The field is large, calls are coming for help from many places. May God bless you and us, and speedily send the truth to all willing hearts, and then take us home to the New Jerusalem, is our prayer.

Respectfully yours, J. F. Wood. Sonoma Co., Cal.