Sister Westcott’s Sabbath Conversion
By Amanda Westcott
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Feeling of gratitude to God, and a sense of the duty I owe to my fellow travelers to the eternal world has induced me to relate a little of my experience through the medium of the press. I wish, by the grace of God assisting me, to cast the little influence I may have on the side of truth. From my infancy I was taught, by precept and example, to observe the first day of the week as the Sabbath. The reason why, was, Christ arose on that day. Yet I never, from my heart, observed it, but merely because it was custom so to do. I never saw that the fourth commandment had any more reference to the first day of the week than to the third. When the no-Sabbath theory came up, I very readily fell in with it, without any further examination, and I really thought I had a firm foundation to stand upon. In September last, there was a Conference of Sabbath-keepers held in this city, and through the influence of friends, I was induced to attend; but I thought I never should become a Sabbath-keeper. However, I thought I would see what proof they could bring that the Sabbath was binding upon the Christian Church. I thought there was none. I heard two discourses from brother Andrews upon the Sabbath, and the Spirit of God accompanied the word, and settled conviction on my heart. I saw that I was standing on a sandy foundation. I commenced searching the word of God to find something to overthrow their argument for the Sabbath, but in vain. Texts of scripture, which I once thought strong proof against the Sabbath, now helped to convince me that it was binding. I raised every objection against it I could, but the truth of God shone more and more upon my mind. I continued on in this way three weeks, praying and reading my Bible. I saw the Sabbath was binding, but I thought I never could identify myself with that humble class who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. Again I thought, what did not our Saviour suffer for us—persecuted even unto death. For our sakes he became poor, that we through his poverty might be made rich. I prayed the Lord to help me to be willing to become anything or nothing for his sake. I saw that if I would live godly in Christ Jesus I must suffer persecution. At last, by the grace of God, I was enabled to decide for the truth. I have kept three Sabbaths only, yet I feel to say in keeping the commandments of God there is great reward. The truth looks precious to me. I now feel to rejoice in it. I praise God that he ever revealed unto me the true light of his holy Word. I feel to say with the Psalmist, "Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day." May God keep us humble, and give us grace to endure to the end, is the prayer of your unworthy sister, AMANDA WESTCOTT.
Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 1st, 1852.