p. 54 | ELIZABETH DOW by Elizabeth Dow

Publishing Committee · Saratoga Springs, N. Y. · Nov 25, 1851

ELIZABETH DOW

By Elizabeth Dow

From Sister Dow to Sister Temple of Boston.

DEAR SISTER: After long delay I take the pen to acknowledge the reception of books and papers, for which I praise God, and give you many thanks. I became a convert to the Advent faith in 1842. In 1843 I was taken sick, and ever since have been sorely afflicted. Have had little means of obtaining light or instruction, and have lived most of the time with opposers.

The Sabbath question is one on which I had bestowed very little thought. Never for a moment doubted that the fourth commandment was fulfilled by a right observance of the first day of the week, taking for granted that the day was changed at the commencement of the Christian dispensation. But when my attention was called to the subject by your pamphlets, and I began to search the Sacred Record for proof, how great was my surprise to find that there was none. I gave the New Testament a thorough examination, read the books again and again, carefully comparing all with the Word, and became fully convinced that the "seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God." This being, as you know, a work of the understanding, I endured it very well; but when the importance of the subject came up before me, and the guilt of disobedience, it reached the heart, and, viewed in connection with the third angel's message, was overwhelming. "The commandment came, sin revived and I died."

But thanks be to God, the struggle, though severe, was not of long continuance. Light continued to increase, until the path of duty became unmistakably plain, and I resolved, God being my helper, to pursue it whatever may oppose. With this resolve came peace and joy such as none but Jesus gives, and none can find save in the path of obedience. My Sabbath, formerly a dear precious day, lost its charms, and the Sabbath of the Lord has become indeed a "day of sacred rest."

This subject has also led to great searchings of heart with regard to all the holy law of God. And I now humbly ask the prayers of those who have "purified their souls in obeying the truth," that I may be enabled henceforth to "remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." And also to "walk in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless." Thus I have endeavored to give you a brief account of my views and feelings. Writing is very painful to me, much of the time impossible. If any brother traveling in this vicinity, will be kind enough to give me a call (at the residence of John Wilcox) I would esteem it a great favor.

The Paper—I prize it very highly. On some subjects it has already thrown a flood of light. Others are yet a little dark, had hoped by reading more to get more light. But with grief I say it, the paper must be dispensed with unless it can come free of all expense.

P. S. This has been detained a few days awaiting an opportunity of private conveyance. My heart is full this morning; I must add a few lines. I want words to express to you my gratitude for what I have received through your instrumentality. O how ignorant I was of the import of the third angel's message, and what a wonder of mercy that it should be shown to me at this late hour, in my seclusion from society, and the means of grace and especially from all of like precious faith. Truly, this is the Lord's doing and marvellous in my eyes. The good Shepherd, I humbly trust, has sought me out, and has led me into green pastures, beside still waters.

ELIZABETH DOW

Newport (N. H.), Sept. 25th, 1851.