p. 150 | How I Found the Truth by F. A. Barlow

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 3, 1874

How I Found the Truth.

By F. A. Barlow

One year ago to-day (Oct. 25, 1874), I heard for the first time the third angel's message. At that time I was a Sabbath-breaker. The circumstances were something like this: A Seventh-day Adventist preacher came into our town and commenced a course of lectures at what is known as the center school-house, and after laboring there two weeks, his fame spread into the neighbourhood where the writer lives, and a great desire arose in me to see a man that was so illiterate as to think and teach that the seventh day was the Sabbath. So at evening, one year ago, my wife and I went to hear the strange preacher. I listened attentively, and acknowledged the man to be intelligent; but some things that he said weighed heavily on my mind, and I resolved not to go any more, and through the week following, I staid away. But when the next Sunday came, my wife invited me to go with her again to hear the stranger. I excused myself. She insisted; but I refused. The carriage was brought to the door, and she stepped in, took the lines, and went alone. I looked sorrowfully after her until out of sight, then I lay down upon the bed and was soon asleep, but was so troubled with dreams that “my sleep break from me.”

Upon opening my eyes, the first thing that met my astonished gaze was wife returning, not alone as when she left, but in company with the very man that I had not time to go and hear. This looked to me like the commencement of troubles; but I rubbed my eyes, brushed my fingers through my hair to give myself as terrific appearance as possible, determined to show him that it was dangerous to beard the lion in his den, and as they entered the room from out-doors, I emerged from the bedroom, all three meeting in the kitchen.

The frank, kind, and intelligent manner in which he received me, quieted my fears to some extent, and I ventured to engage in conversation with him. I soon began to feel very friendly toward him. It was stormy, so that there was no meeting that night. The next day (Monday) and night was so stormy that it was nearly impossible for people to be out; in fact, our stranger friend was completely storm-bound.

We talked together at least sixteen hours each day during his stay. Tuesday evening, he lectured again. By this time, it was an easy matter for my wife to get me to accompany her to meeting; in fact, the candor of the man and his knowledge of the Scriptures riveted my attention, and I continued to attend the lectures until the close. While the lectures were going on, I bought books, read my Bible, and talked with the more intelligent class. I examined the whole matter as well as I was able to, and at the close of the lectures those that believed that the doctrine taught was the truth were invited to covenant together to keep the commandments of God. My wife and I asked to have our names enrolled, after which our worthy brother left the neighborhood.

We were left alone over two months. But when he returned, he found every one firm as when he left, and proceeded to organize a church with a membership of twenty-five. We tried to hold meetings in his absence at the center school-house; but “the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God,” and the door was locked against us. We then moved to another school-house, where the dragon's force was not so well organized. A Sabbath-school and Bible-class were organized last winter, which have been well attended ever since. The interest was never better than now. But out of this number, there are two or three that think more of their tobacco than Him who died for them, judging from outward appearances.

We have a new church almost complete, 26x38, 16 feet posts, with patent reversible seats, painted white, which looks to me very beautiful; and this in a community where one year ago not one could be found who was keeping the Sabbath. Fifty-six Sabbath-keepers are now enrolled in our Sabbath-school register; and so the good work goes on without a preacher. The interest is increasing. The attendance is extraordinary. Union and harmony prevail. All seem determined to know more of the will of God concerning them. We are living in constant hope that some of our preachers will call this way occasionally to cheer us up. But none come yet, except Bro. Nicola who has visited us once. My object in writing this article is to let those who labor in word and doctrine know of our whereabouts. A general invitation is extended to all those who preach the word, to call upon us as often as possible. The one who has done so much for us is now laboring upon the Atlantic Coast. And when he will return to us again is not known to the writer. May the choicest of Heaven's blessings attend his labors. And may the Lord guide us continually, and satisfy our souls in drouth.

F. A. BARLOW.

Ladora, Iowa.