How They Became Convinced
By H. E. Sawyer-Hopkins
[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 was brought up a Baptist, and united with that body at the age of thirteen. My brother, who observed the seventh day, was then living at home, therefore I had some knowledge of it. Father being opposed to it, of course I concluded that he, being older, knew better. Shortly after his death, we moved from New York to Battle Creek, Mich. On account of prejudice, I would have nothing to do with Seventh-day Adventists or their teachings. My brother, James Sawyer, invited me to go home with him to Coopersville, Mich., which I hesitated to do, for fear of being influenced by Seventh-day Adventists. Finally I entered my closet and asked God to keep me from such influence, should I decide to accompany my brother home. I went, and while there a brother and sister of the faith invited me home with them for a few days. They asked me to give proof for Sunday-keeping. I was not posted on either side, but made some reply. To the answers given, I could say nothing. They kept up these questions for several days, when I referred to Hebrews 4, and this was made plain also. I was invited to study some books that were handed me. I utterly refused to do so, and the result was I passed sleepless nights. It seemed as tho my pillow was composed of thorns. I would toss about all night long, and for a week or more I dreaded to have night come. Brother wished me to accompany his wife across the lake to her father's. The lake was rough, and I spent a miserable night because of an unsettled state of mind. I finally said to myself, "If we ever arrive safe on land, I will study and see if these things are true." Once on land, a feeling of indifference crept over me, as usual. Arriving in Illinois I came in contact with people who believed some things as we do; and for a week they kept forcing reading matter upon me, and conversing on the life and death question, until I declared I would stay there no longer. In spite of every entreaty to remain, I left for home. Passing through Chicago, we visited at Brother Place's, and here I took up a book entitled "Signs of the Times," which resulted in my yielding. On taking up the Sabbath question, it was not long ere I could plainly see that the seventh day was the Sabbath, and I was one of the first converts at what was then called "The Health Institute." It seems that my state of health was such that I had first to be converted to the principles of health reform ere I could walk out into the light of "present truth." How grateful I am God gave me a willing heart to accept of these beautiful principles, which have been such a blessing to me during the past thirty-eight years. I love them because they are heavenborn.