INTERESTING EXPERIENCE ON THE SABBATH QUESTION.
DEAR BROTHER: My only excuse in writing to you, a stranger, is a feeling of gratitude which I would like to express. For twelve long years I was perplexed over the Sabbath question. I was a member of the Congregational Church; and when I first heard of the change of day without God's authority, I was entirely ignorant on that subject; nor was it explained to me so that I could see any reason in it. I just said “crank,” and let it go for a number of years. Then it was presented to me in such an unfortunate way that I again rejected it; but I began to think. The more I thought, the more unhappy I became. I could see there was something in it, but I could not see enough to convince me that Sunday-keeping was wrong. Neither was I satisfied that it was right. I talked with our minister, and I talked with a Sabbath-keeper; and both, of course, talked for their own side, so I made up my mind that I would stick to my Bible and fight it out alone, feeling sure that if God wanted me to keep Saturday, He would send me light. Elder Fifield preached in the city where I lived, and no doubt had I been willing to listen to him, I might have settled all this long ago. I had never before come up to a point where I refused to do what I thought God wanted me to do. I was beginning to feel that the Father's face was hid, but still I would not give in, for I was not satisfied. A young man, a Sabbath-keeper, who roomed with us, had a copy of your “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” I picked it up one day and began to read. I read nearly all one Friday; and at night I told my husband that henceforth he would find me on the side of God's Sabbath. In that book I found the logical conclusion of the whole matter. I feel that I did wrong in putting the matter from me so long; but when I did see the truth, I did not hesitate an hour. I did not dare to. I take some comfort in the thought that perhaps God brought it to me just in His own time. I have prayed much for wisdom to train my child so that she might be a Christian. She is now thirteen years old, and last Sunday went forward with me in baptism. Perhaps you can imagine somewhat of the feeling of gratitude to God and to the one who brought me the light of the blessed Sabbath that filled my heart at that time. We unite with the Boston church. Elder K. C. Russell is very helpful, and we enjoy his teaching. I hope that my husband will soon unite with us. Again I thank you for writing that book. I bought two copies, one of which I keep to lend, and the other I sent to Kansas, and I am praying that it may bring forth good fruit. May God's richest blessings be yours. MRS. B. M. CLIFFORD. 44 Brook(s)ford St., Roxbury, Mass.