Sister Wheeler’s Conversion to the Truth
By Olive A. Wheeler
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I am not personally acquainted with you, but claim the privilege of confessing my gratitude for the Review and Herald, and also confess what the Lord has done for me. It is a little more than one year since I heard the third angel’s message which found me in a lukewarm state, and a member of the Freewill Baptist denomination, to which I had been connected for fourteen years. I had been led by blind guides, had listened to false teachers, and had also listened to slander and false reports, that I became so much prejudiced against the truth, I even refused to read advent publications, thinking they contained error and delusion. However, I was honestly trying to walk humbly before God; but could not obtain that free and full salvation that I enjoyed in my first experience. But the good Lord in mercy sent a messenger to me; and by particular invitation I consented to attend a meeting with Sabbath-keepers, and heard the reasons of their faith.—And when I witnessed the union that existed with the brethren, and the Spirit of the Lord so powerfully manifested, my prejudice began to remove; and I began to feel the need of more religion than I then possessed. I was convicted of the truth, but the cross of embracing it arose like a mountain before me. I knew if I observed the seventh day, I must leave the church, renounce the friendship of the world, and have all manner of evil said against me falsely. And then again, I had been so zealous for the observance of Sunday, I thought I could not give it up. Under these circumstances I was brought into such distress of mind which would be impossible for me to describe. I was then willing to renounce the friendship of the nominal churches and the world, and have my name cast out as evil, if I could have the approbation of Jesus. While the errors of my past life were arrayed before me, I strove to humble myself before God, and cried day and night unto him for his spirit to teach me and give me an understanding of the whole truth. And, praise the name of the Lord; his ear was not heavy that he could not hear. The word of God was unfolded to my understanding, as it never had been before. I then saw plainly, that time was almost finished, and the last message of mercy was being given. And as the ark of the Lord went through the river Jordan, and into the promised land with literal Israel, so must the ark (containing the law of God) go with spiritual Israel into the heavenly kingdom. And O, what a change had taken place in my feelings, and religious views. Truly, (as says the Psalmist,) “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.” And again, the word of God teaches, that “love is the fulfilling of the law.” And truly, my soul was enraptured with love to God and his people. I was willing to renounce the traditions of men and keep the commandments; for in keeping of them there is great reward. The holy Sabbath is not a yoke of bondage (as some suppose,) but a delight, holy unto the Lord. How sweet are the hours of sacred rest. I have had some fiery trials, but yet I praise the Lord for the way he has led me, and for the light that now shines upon his word. O, how plain that God’s holy law has not been abolished, (as some teach,) but his commandments are all sure, and they will stand fast for ever and ever. Neither has it been changed, for God is unchangeable. Says the wise man, “I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it.” The law of the Lord is perfect, therefore it requires no change. The Sabbath was made for man; then why should not man enjoy it? Jesus came to set an example for us to follow. And although he arose on the first day of the week, he did not rest, but spent it in traveling. Neither did he rebuke his disciples for not resting, but met with them at evening, and pronounced peace unto them. Jesus rested on the seventh day. Thought I, if Jesus rested the seventh day I also will rest. And, although I am looked upon by professed christians as one deluded, because I do not rest on the first day, Jesus gives me peace. I do not consider a mere form of keeping the Sabbath, effectual to salvation. We need to keep all the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and seek meekness and righteousness, that we may be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger. If we possess this, we shall overcome and inherit all things; even share an inheritance in the earth renewed, and live when the tabernacle of God shall be with men. And O, how enrapturing the thought, that we shall dwell with Jesus in glory, even for ever and ever. Yours in hope of eternal life.
OLIVE A. WHEELER.
Eaton, C. E., Nov. 18th, 1852.