Experience by Hattie S. Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 27, 1872

Experience.

By Hattie S. Smith

EIGHTEEN months ago this morning, July 3, 1872, I decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. I had been investigating the subject of present truth, having traveled through wet and cold, storm and shine, to learn what I could about what was to me, then, a “new doctrine.” I had made up my mind to read the New Testament through again, and also to read the “History of the Sabbath,” before I formed an opinion as to which day was correct.

But I did not go mourning long. The Lord made known his will, and I tried to obey. Before day-break I meditated on his word, and felt a willingness to forsake the keeping of the first-day, though dear relatives and friends for a moment stood in the way, and I asked myself the questions, Will the Lord be as “a wall of fire round about” me? Will the Lord sustain me? Instantaneously the response seemed to come, “The Lord will provide;” and I was happy in my choice.

Through the instrumentality of Eld’s Rodman and Haskell, and other friends of the cause, I was enabled to learn just such truths as I needed at the time, and I trust I profited by them. To-day, the Seventh-day Adventists have my sympathies in their peculiar faith, and in the reforms they advocate. Never for a moment have I regretted making their acquaintance, for their religious belief was just what I needed to strengthen and sustain me under affliction, and to comfort me in my daily life.

Over fourteen years ago, I became connected with the Baptist denomination, and for some time I hesitated to withdraw myself from that body as my mother and two sisters were also members of the same church. At length, I concluded to ask for a letter of dismission in the following manner: I wrote out a sort of synopsis in the form of a letter, and attended one of the covenant meetings, and asked the privilege of reading the letter, as a member of the church. I accordingly read what I had to say in regard to my late experience and my new views, and before the exercises closed, they voted to give me “a letter of Christian character, in good and regular standing.” I was of course gratified to get such a letter. When they recognize in me a “Christian character” they as much as say that I do no wrong in embracing the commandments of God, and really acknowledge me none the less Christian, virtually acknowledging the fourth commandment as well as the rest. Since I left the church, their pastor has preached against the Sabbath, and I hear that one member has said that he would keep the first day if it was wrong.

I would not give up my love of Bible-reading, nor, spiritually speaking, be set back where I was two years ago, for any consideration. I love the cause of present truth, and it does not terrify me as it used to, to read some portions of the book of Revelation. On the other hand, it inspires me with a new and more earnest faith, gives me new hopes and fresh courage to peruse with increasing interest the subject of the third angel’s message and what is shortly coming to pass on this earth.

All to God I owe, and I will try to persevere in life’s duties, looking to the right source for sustaining grace to help me through the unseen future. The REVIEW helps me much, and I read every item it contains, caring less and less for popular literature or story papers.

HATTIE S. SMITH. Washington Co., R. I., July 3, 1872.