Testimony on the Seventh-Day Sabbath
By Emily Richardson
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—With feelings of deep interest in the cause of our Lord, I add my feeble testimony to the truth. It is about thirty years since I embraced the religion of Jesus; and though I have not been as faithful as I ought, and have been cold and indifferent in his service, still, when I saw my own sinfulness, and called on my Saviour, I have ever found him precious to my soul, and a present help in every time of need. And now I mean to spend the rest of my days in the service of God. I hope and pray that I may live in such a manner, that others may be led to give their hearts to God; for I can truly say, "Jesus I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow thee." About six or seven years since I had a deep impression on my mind that the seventh day of the week was the day sanctified and commanded to be kept in the ten commandments, holy unto the Lord; but still I kept the first day until last May, since which time I have kept the seventh day as the Sabbath of the Lord. And I believe that it is the day designed to be kept; for I cannot find any commandment or writing of any kind to warrant the keeping of any other. All other days may be devoted to secular employments. I have lately seen and heard of several from whose eyes the scales have fallen, who have been led to see that the seventh day is the one to be kept. I have been happier since I kept the seventh day than I ever was before. I have peace of mind, such as the world cannot give or take away.—I view the day as not far distant when many shall come to the knowledge of the truth, and put their trust in him who hath said, "come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." I have read some in the Review, and I like not only the advocating of the seventh day Sabbath, but also, the religion of the New Testament, and holiness of heart, which is essentially necessary (for without holiness no man shall see the Lord,) which it teaches. I believe that it is high time to awake to newness of life, and not sleep as do some, who will not arouse from their lethargy; for "That awful day will surely come,
The appointed hour makes haste,
When we must stand before our Judge,
And pass the solemn test." I feel to give glory to God in the highest for bringing me to the truth as it is in Jesus; and I praise and adore his holy name for the light which is continually shining into my mind. According to the signs of the times, as predicted in the Bible, I believe that the end is near, and how it behooves all those who are standing aloof from Christ, and his cause, to take heed to their ways, and turn to the Lord while it is a day of salvation with them. Yours in bonds of Christian love,
EMILY RICHARDSON.
Stoddard, N. H., Sept. 20th, 1853.