Convicted of the Sabbath Truth
By Drusilla Orton
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS:—I am thankful that there is a medium, through which we can speak words of comfort, although separated far from each other. I suppose that those of you with whom I am acquainted will be surprised when you cast your eyes over this paper and see my name, knowing how much I have said against the Sabbath and those that were advocates of it. But, praise the Lord, whereas I was once blind I now see. Since brother White's family moved to this city, I have attended their meetings occasionally, and loved the spirit they seemed to manifest, but did not like to hear them speak in regard to the Sabbath. When the last Conference of Sabbath-keepers in this city was appointed, I thought I would attend as much as possible, and see if they had any scripture to base their faith upon. The second evening of the meeting, brother Andrews took up the subject of the Sabbath, and answered some objections. When he closed, I felt as though the foundation on which I stood was shaken; still there were some texts (those usually quoted against the Sabbath) resting on my mind which I wished taken out of the way before I could see my way clear to keep it. Conviction, however, that it was truth fastened on my mind with such force that it nearly prostrated my body.—The rest of the family (consisting of my father, mother, and brother and sister Loughborough) were also under deep conviction on this subject. As we came around the family altar, we cried unto the Lord, with broken hearts and contrite spirits, to show us the truth, which, praise his name, he has done. 112During Conference, brethren Andrews and Edson called on us. We raised some objections, which were answered satisfactorily, and scripturally. Still there was an unwillingness in my mind to yield. I took no rest day nor night. The devil kept whispering in my ears, if you embrace the Sabbath you will have to be classed with that humble, despised people everywhere spoken against. This was a source of great trouble to me; so much so, that I concluded that if I did embrace it I would not go among, or be identified with them. I soon found I could not live in this way. Darkness enshrouded my mind, and I was led almost into despair. I prayed the Lord to dispel the gloom, and I would be or do any thing for his sake; and would let my light shine to those around me. The Lord heard prayer. The darkness is gone, and the light of his truth is shining in my heart. I feel like a new creature in Christ Jesus. I praise the Lord that he has counted me worthy to suffer affliction with his people: for if I suffer with him, I shall also reign with him. I believe it will be but a little while, and my eyes will see him whom my soul loveth. Brethren and sisters be faithful, be watchful, be prayerful; always abounding in the work of the Lord. I would also say, that my father and mother are rejoicing in the truth, striving to keep all of God's commandments. We crave an interest in your prayers, that we may let the light we have received, shine to those around us. Your sister, rejoicing in the present truth,
DRUSILLA ORTON. Rochester, November, 1852.