From Sister Green by E. D. C. Green

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 12, 1869

From Sister Green.

By E. D. C. Green

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: For five years I have been trying to keep God's whole law. I have been a reader of the REVIEW during that time, and have received so much comfort and encouragement from the precious testimonies of the scattered ones, dear to me because of our one faith, that I have desired to add my testimony, hoping that I, too, might give comfort and good cheer to others. Realizing my inability I have refrained from so-doing. But when I behold God's goodness so manifested towards me, and the little church of Sabbath-keepers here, I have thought were I not to write rocks around us would cry out. Here I wish to add a little of my experience. Previous to my embracing the truth, I was called to pass through trials of the deepest kind. This was to lead me to the Lord. Soon after embracing the truth, God again laid his afflicting hand upon me. This was to draw me nearer to him, and I praise his holy name to-day for the chastisement; for now I believe that I am his child, and he my Heavenly Father.

From my earliest religious experience I had impressions of the truth. At the age of fifteen I was sprinkled and united with the M. E. church, and continued a member fifteen years. During that time I wanted to be wholly the Lord's, except one year, when I thought I was tempted above what I was able to bear; but God sustained me. This gave me a desire to search for the truth. I then sought, and I bless God I found it. Truly “he led me in a way I knew not,” and oh, how my heart rejoices to-day that my name is numbered among the persecuted ones.

A sister came here from Iowa, to reside, who gave me reading on present truth. I soon saw the light and hastened to turn my feet into God's testimonies. Then we began to labor together. In his own good time a messenger came; five were baptized, four of whom became convinced of the truth by reading; the other had heard preaching before. The result was, the seed sowed then by Bro. Steward has since sprung up and brought forth fruit. Shortly after he left, four came out from the Christian church and confessed the truth as it is in Christ, and now three more are rejoicing in the truth that they then heard preached. One, an old man over seventy years of age, says God's Spirit sent the truth to his heart; and it must be that alone, for he was so prejudiced, that he would cry out, not exactly as one of old, “Art thou come to torment us before the time;” but, “Old lady, will you let me alone!” His companion wrestled with God, and decided to serve him, let her husband do as he would. While making the necessary preparation for the Sabbath, she noticed that he was bringing in more wood than usual, and wondered at it, when he said to her, “To-morrow is the Sabbath; we must prepare for it.” Others may imagine her happiness, if they can. They are so happy; it makes them appear young again. He has thrown away his tobacco, after using it over sixty years. His dear old face beams with joy, and his gray locks floating above it are a crown of glory.

I heard last week that a man and his wife had begun to keep the Sabbath,—they were very wicked,—the man an inebriate. Others are deeply interested, and well nigh persuaded of the truth. Among the number investigating is the M. E. minister who preaches here. He seems to be sincere, and wants the truth. He has been reading two weeks, and says he has no objections to raise. It is nearly a year since we began to hold semi-monthly prayer and conference meetings, and have never met, however few, but what the Lord has verified his promise, that where two or three are met together in my name there will I be in the midst. Strangers coming in would say the Lord was with us.

Some five or six weeks ago, four brethren and sisters (one brother formerly our leader) came from Lake City, Minn., and one brother from Prescott, and a sister from Trimbelle, met with us, making seventeen in all, besides the children. Satan had crept in unawares, but we had a refreshing time. Two weeks later we met again. A lady present, over forty years of age, who had never spoken in meeting before, spoke with freedom, and one dear aged brother who led the meeting became so earnest confessing his fault in using tobacco, and asking the prayers of the brethren and sisters to assist him in overcoming, that the sympathizing tear freely flowed. We could all have united in singing the hymn, “Thou God of truth and love.” Two weeks later, bringing it to last Sabbath, a German minister belonging to the Christian denomination preached for us. He asked permission to do so, and we thought best to grant his request. He is confirmed in the truth, and will shortly live it out. His wife has lately begun to keep the Sabbath. One would have thought him to have been a Sabbath-keeper for years. It was truly a feast to all of our souls.

Yours in hope of eternal life, E. D. C. GREEN. Maiden Rock, Wis.