The Sabbath Commandment Received
By Merritt E. Cornell
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is due perhaps that I should state, in a few words, an account of the reception of the Sabbath commandment in this place. I came here three weeks since, and strove to defend God's holy law by presenting the testimony in meekness and fear. And notwithstanding I am a feeble instrument, yet the evidences in favor of truth were so clear and abundant that four have commenced keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. Others are investigating, and I have good reasons to expect they will embrace the Sabbath, and keep the day according to the commandment. I am struck with astonishment that men of good judgment should in so short a time embrace, and stand out firm on the message when so imperfectly presented. But I suppose it is accounted for easily when we consider, that some are honestly searching for Truth, and have lost confidence in men, and their creeds and commentaries, and have taken the Bible for the man of their counsel. It is only five weeks, since I was convinced that O. R. L. Crozier and many others are fighting against a truth which is as plainly set forth in God's word as any other. I had perused his (C.'s) articles, and had not seen the other side; and not being interested in the subject (thinking there was little or no importance attached to its investigation) I did not search the Bible for testimony relative to the subject. But I now rejoice with joy that I cannot describe. I was induced to call at Jackson, Mich., in a manner that to me is rather mysterious. I went to listen to Bro Joseph Bates with some reluctance, and much prejudice. But I could not stand before the vast amount of testimony from the Word. I was convinced of the truth, but to confess it was a trial such as I had never before experienced. I would not yield, and my last resort was a lengthy article written by Dr. Thomas, published in the Harbinger. I supposed he would get into difficulty. But to my disappointment, after three hours and a half in review, he showed in a clear manner, from the Bible, that the article contained many absurdities, and the main positions, were founded on mere assumption. This left me standing upon the word of God, and I was obliged to yield and confess that the Sabbath has been, ever since Creation, and always will be binding as long as men and angels are under any obligation to keep a moral law. Praise the Lord, "whereas I was blind, now I see." I could not but see, when once my eyes were anointed with the eye-salve, so clear and glorious a truth. Yours in patience and hope, M. E. CORNELL.
Tyrone, Mich., Aug. 4th, 1852.