Testimony Concerning the Sabbath
By Benjamin F. Curtis
Bro. Smith: I feel constrained to add my testimony to the truth. Seven and a half years ago, while residing in Aurora, Ind., a Bro. Case came along and presented God's holy law, and some facts concerning the Third Angel's Message; but I could not get any faith in him. Some months after, Bro. H. Edson (God bless him) came along, and as he came up to my front door, said he to me, Is the love of God in this house? I replied, It is said, If ye love me, ye will keep my commandments. The brother spent his time and money, it seemed, just to save me and my companion. He talked until eleven or twelve o'clock that night, and we parted; and I commenced to fight the Sabbath. But my dear wife became firmer in the faith. Not long after, Bro. J. N. Andrews (God bless him, I always love him) came and talked of the commandments, and faith of Jesus, and so on, to us; and he almost persuaded me to be a christian. I believe if he had stopped one day longer with me, I should have taken hold of the Sabbath. Now some six years ago, from Aurora we moved to Cincinnati, and from there to Glendale, Ohio, and spent nearly three years; and about this time our brother H. E. Carver moved to Iowa City. I took a notion of following, telling my wife that when we got there, if she would go, I would keep the Sabbath; but alas! I began to build and get gain, and forgot my promise. But thank my heavenly Father, Brn. Waggoner and Hull came along with the Tent, though against my will. After the Tent meeting; when we came to part, I told them I was sorry to see them come, and sorry to see them go away. We had a good meeting. Several came out, and there are several convinced that the Sabbath of the Lord is truth, that I think would come out if we could have some more preaching. I hope my dear brother Waggoner will come this way soon. May the Lord direct Bro. Hull so that he can spend some months with us again. I wish to say that for fourteen years, or more, I used the filthy weed, tobacco; but through Bro. W.'s influence, and the grace of God, I threw it to the winds. That night I had a hard struggle. I recollect one precious season of prayer we had at my house, while Bro. White led in prayer, especially for me. Well, praise the Lord, the Review, though once I hated it, and took it up to make sport over it, is now a welcome messenger, and you may send it along in my name. O I can sympathize with the lonely ones of the faith of Jesus. I pray God to keep me in that hour of trial, and from the plagues of the seven last vials. Your brother in love. Benjamin F. Curtis.
Iowa City, Oct. 4th, 1858.