How They Became Convinced
By Editor
[Believing it would be of interest to our readers, the editor of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES has asked Sabbath-keeping ministers and evangelical workers to tell in a few words the scripture or scriptures, the truths and principles, which constrained them to accept the unpopular truth of the seventh-day Sabbath. These testimonies must not exceed 500 words. Let us hear from all.] I KEPT my first Sabbath, March 21, 1896. I was a Congregationalist, and the different churches in our town were holding revival meetings. I became quite interested, as I always did during any special meetings. When the subject of baptism was brought up, it became plain to me that I was wrong about baptism, and that I should be immersed. My minister tried to persuade me that I was all right, as I had been sprinkled in good faith, and it was merely a matter of choice at the time. But I could not be reconciled. The Baptist minister would not immerse me unless I joined his church; but I did not care to do that, as I was satisfied with my church. But the Lord saw I wished to follow His truth, and sent a good angel to speak to me about the Sabbath. In a very short time I saw the Sabbath truth, then I stepped right out and called for a letter from the church, and began to study God's Word. It was over two years before I had an opportunity to be immersed, and I had only heard two or three sermons by Adventist ministers. But I thank God for showing me His truth, and I am stronger and stronger in the Third Angel's Message from day to day. My friends were sorry to have me do as I did. They said it would only last a short time, and then I would keep no day. I never kept Sunday as I keep the Sabbath, and it is my constant prayer that I may be the means of presenting this truth to others in such a way that they will be willing to investigate, and see what joy and comfort and real peace there is in serving the Lord according to His Word, and not as sinful flesh has directed us. Of course, the Sabbath is not all of our doctrine, but it is the "sign" between God and His people, and always has been, whether they obey Him or not, which is the one point to which people object. An understanding of the Sabbath question leads to all the other truths for these last days. O that I could speak or write such words as would sink deep into the heart, and be the means of causing some one to look into these things, and see if they are so; for if Christ comes, as He surely will soon, and we do not have our lamps trimmed and burning, what will be the result? WHEN a child, I used to hear my relatives talk about the pope changing the Sabbath to the first day of the week, but I would not believe it. When I got a little older, and did not care very much for the things contained in the Bible, altho attending Sunday-school, the class got to talking about the Ten Commandments one day. One of the scholars asked the teacher why the commandments were changed, and she said because the people worshiped the Sabbath, or Saturday, too much. I did not say anything, but I never will forget the expression that came upon the teacher's face after she made the statement. Soon afterward I quit having anything to do with church at all, until the family were all called home on account of our mother's illness. There I met my brother, who was keeping the Sabbath, and that started me to thinking. I then got hold of a little book called "The Bible Text Book," and began to study the Scriptures for myself. When I think of my Sunday-school teacher, I think of Eze. 22:26.