“THE JEWS REQUIRE A SIGN.”
By A. H. Barnes
WHILE reading the article with the above title in a late REVIEW, an incident in my own experience when the truth was first presented to me came forcibly to my mind. Some one had said to me that Sabbath-keepers had the healing power; and as I was entirely deaf and otherwise afflicted the thought came to me three times to say to them if they would heal me I would believe the doctrine they taught. Each time the answer from my heart was, If I cannot believe from the evidence of God’s word, I will not believe at all. I took my Bible, and knelt before the Lord, and made this solemn promise, that if from his word I was convinced the seventh day was the Sabbath, I would not hesitate to obey and keep it. The Spirit of the Lord illuminated the sacred pages of his word, and the light of truth became clear, as passage after passage came to my mind; and before I arose from my knees, I had decided to obey. Had I hesitated, and asked for a sign, it is doubtful if I had ever received the truth. If convinced of truth, why hesitate, and ask for a particular sign to know if it is our duty to obey. Is not the word of God plain? “The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.” If we believe this, then our duty is very plain,—Obey. The Bible is God’s word and voice to us, and no precept of the Bible is plainer than this: “The seventh day is the Sabbath.” It is better to obey God than man. Trials and persecutions may be the lot of those who keep the Sabbath of the Lord; yet if it be kept faithfully and with a right motive, the reward is sure. Precious promises are given to those who regard the Sabbath of the Lord. Great blessings will rest upon those who give willing, cheerful obedience. When Christ comes, may reader and writer be found with those who are keeping all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. A. H. BARNES. Bakersfield, Vt., Feb. 22.