Convinced of the Biblical Sabbath
By P. Conklin
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Feelings of gratitude to God, and a sense of duty induces me to relate a little of my experience. From my childhood I have been taught by precept and example to observe the First-day of the week as the Sabbath. The reason was, Christ arose on that day; yet I never saw that the fourth commandment had any more reference to the First-day, than the Third-day of the week, and often remarked that the Bible never speaks of the First-day being the Sabbath. The reply ever was, Jesus arose on that day, and therefore the day was changed. But I never found a word to my satisfaction on record, although like many others, I supposed it was in the Bible somewhere, and have often when reading, wished to find it, but never was interested enough to search for it until last July, hearing that the Sabbath was not abolished, and that some began to observe the real Sabbath, I began to investigate, to see why they should now in these last days turn to the Sabbath of the Bible. I found where Jesus met with the disciples on the First-day of the week, and where Paul preached until past midnight, and some few more inferences, and talking with unbelievers, I began to think the First-day was the Sabbath, and to reject the Seventh, and to my surprise there was a burden came, such as I never experienced before. I now began to call on the Lord to know the reason of this burden. I soon discovered that every time I said a word against the Sabbath the burden was greater. I at last had the opportunity of visiting at the house of a friend. They were keeping the Sabbath, being the only family in this vicinity that were keeping the Sabbath excepting one brother. I resolved by the grace of God assisting me, to know the truth; and Sunday I retired from all of the family. I felt that I must live different from what I then did. I read in James iv, 17, "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." I began to think what have I done. I felt that I had done nothing that would be acceptable in the sight of God; and how could I think that my heavenly Father could hear me. I at last said, Lord, make all thy will known to me, for I am resolved to do all thy will, and keep all thy commandments. I could get no relief. The Sabbath came to my mind; I resolved to keep it, and the burden left in a measure. I then began to think what shall I do, how can I keep the Sabbath, as I am a poor, lame girl, and have to depend on friends for a home, though I have been able to support myself with my needle most of the time, I knew I had a Father's home, and kind brothers and sisters, but they were opposed to the seventh-day Sabbath. Yet I could not give up; I must serve the Lord. I remembered God said in his Word, that he will take care of his children, and I believe he will do as he says. I remained with my friends about three weeks, in which time Bro. Case, in October 3d and 4th, held a Conference in this place. My father and some of the rest of the family attended one lecture with all prejudice. On Monday morning I returned home, rejoicing in the Lord for what he had done for me. Some of them laughed, some ridiculed, and tried to shame me. But they saw all would do no good. Finally one sister was convinced of the Sabbath and kept it with me the next Sabbath, and the third Sabbath my mother and two sisters more kept the day. Praise the Lord, O my soul; for he is good. My father, also, is now keeping the day. The Lord is good. We have a little band of twenty in number, and some more are searching for the truth. May the Lord help them. Bro. Case held another Conference here, the 15th, and 16th of Feb., and I trust the Spirit of the Lord was with us, and some were convinced of the truth. Although I meet with opposition, and have all manner of evil spoken of me, yet I pray the Lord to keep me, for I believe we have the truth, and it looks precious to me, I now feel to rejoice in it. I feel to say with the Psalmist, "O how love I thy law!" May God keep us humble and give us grace to endure to the end, is the prayer of your unworthy sister.
P. CONKLIN.
Tyrone, Mich., Feb. 27th, 1853.