A Testimony for the Sabbath by Angeline M. A. Cornell

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Sep 16, 1852

A Testimony for the Sabbath

By Angeline M. A. Cornell

From Sister Cornell.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Everything seems to praise the Lord, and I feel that I can heartily respond, amen, bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me praise his holy name. Not only for the privilege of communicating with those of like precious faith, but that I was led by a most singular train of God's providences to hear from our beloved Bro. Bates about the commandments of God, one of which I had so long trampled under my feet. I do feel deeply humble when I think how long I have been desecrating God's holy time, finding my own pleasure, and speaking my own words. But by the help of him who is mighty to save, this shall no longer be. My motto, from henceforth, shall be, the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

I went to Jackson, Mich., with my companion, to hear, as I thought, an awful doctrine. My mind was so filled with prejudice that I almost feared to go, having heard so much about the great delusion; and yet I felt an irresistible desire to hear for myself.—And, praise the Lord, my prejudices had to yield before the plain, unvarnished truths of God's holy Word—not inferences, or forced conclusions, as I anticipated, and as some have wickedly intimated. Those too, from whom we might expect better things. At least, I did not expect such misrepresentations. But, says our Blessed Saviour, rejoice when men shall revile you, and say all manner of evil against you, falsely for my sake.

I feel that it is a small thing to be judged by man's judgment. One is my judge, even the Most High, who will judge righteously. It matters not what wicked men say of us, if we can only feel that we are approved of God. I am so situated that I cannot often meet with those who are keeping all the commandments of God, yet I am not alone. My dear parents are with me, endeavoring to keep holy the Sabbath of the Lord our God. And how true it is that by keeping this fourth commandment, we may know that the Lord our God doth sanctify us.

When I received the present truth, all the errors of my past life were arrayed before me; and I trust they have all been confessed, that they may be placed on the head of the antitypical Scape Goat, that they may be borne far away into the land of forgetfulness. Before hearing this present, sealing truth I was, with the majority of the nominal Adventists, in a luke-warm state, gradually (so that I was hardly aware of it) conforming to the world, its fashions and customs.—And this third angel's message was just what I most needed to arouse me from my state of lethargy. It would be impossible for me to express my gratitude for the privilege of hearing these important truths, which have such a sanctifying influence upon the hearts and lives of those who heartily embrace them. But I feel that I have yet a great deal to overcome.—The occasional risings of self, worldly-mindedness, and a disposition to doubt what the Lord has done for me, warns me to beware, lest the light that is in me become darkness, and some one take my crown. But Jesus has said, "lo I am with you alway," and by his grace I mean to be an overcomer; for I know it would be far better for me never to have known this way, than after I have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto me.

May God grant, dear brethren and sisters, that this may not be our case. But may we keep the word of his patience, that we, also, may be kept from the hour of temptation, &c. And now let us have confidence in God, and establish our hearts for the coming of our Lord draweth nigh. O, how I long to stand upon Mount Zion, with the 144,000. By the grace of God I shall meet you there. I love your society here, and I long to be where I can always enjoy it, with all the redeemed.

Yours in the patience and faith of the saints, ANGELINE M. A. CORNELL. Plymouth, Mich., Aug. 28th, 1852.