How I Embraced the Sabbath
By Margaret Shepard
BRO. SMITH:—It is now two years since I commenced keeping the Lord's Sabbath. I have never written to the brethren and sisters through the Review, but as I have often been requested to do so, I now comply with the request. The first I ever heard of the seventh-day people was about three years ago. A sister of mine that resided in Rochester told me there was a class of people in that city who kept Saturday for the Sabbath, and wished to know what I thought about it. I told her I did not know; for I had never heard of them before; but there was one thing I did know, and that was if I kept Saturday I should have to keep two days; for I could not make up my mind to work on Sunday. She said she felt the same about it, but thought she would go to their meeting and hear.—She did so, and soon became a firm believer in the truth. From that time she seemed to feel very anxious for me, and whenever I visited her she would tell me what good people they were, what interesting meetings they had, and would send for some of the sisters to talk with me. I happened to be at her house on Tuesday evening, she wished me to attend the prayer meeting with her. Having a severe pain in my head, I thought I had better not go, but I finally went and enjoyed the meeting much. I soon forgot the pain in my head, and felt that I was with the children of God. When I returned home, I mentioned the subject to my companion. He said he did not know but it was true, and he was willing all should keep it that believed it to be so. From this, my mind became very much troubled. I had been striving for many years to serve God, and to keep all his commandments. I now began to search my Bible and to pray for the Holy Spirit to lead me into all truth. I also read everything I could find in favor of Sunday-keeping, and found many books and friends that told me that the first day of the week was the Sabbath, but this did not satisfy me; for the Bible said that the seventh day was the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.—I soon became convinced that this was true, and that it was my duty to keep it; but yet I felt afraid to commence. It was not the fear of what others might think or say of me; I cared not for the world, but it seemed so great a change, and so great a step to take that I dared not take it. I remained in this state of mind for a long time, and could neither enjoy reading nor praying; for when I read the Bible, I could find nothing but Sabbath and Commandments; and when I prayed, I could think of nothing but keep the commandments of God. I became very unhappy and felt that I must do something that I might again have the approbation of God and the smiles of Jesus. I then commenced keeping the Lord's day. Dear brother I cannot tell you what happiness this brought to my mind, I was again free and could read, pray, and rejoice. What peaceful hours I then enjoyed,
How sweet their memory still, But I soon began to meet with opposition, both at home and abroad. I found my husband was not so willing all should keep this truth that believed it, as he had seemed to be. But I will not relate the means that were used to compel me to give it up; but will say, the Lord gave me strength to endure every trial. It seemed to me that I could hear a still small voice, whispering, Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord. O how plain the Sabbath truth looked to me then! and I loved it so well that I had rather part with husband, children, and home, than to be deprived of the privilege of keeping it. But bless the Lord I was not called to do either. The enemy worked powerfully for a while, but his time was short. My companion soon became convinced of the truth, and is now, with me, striving to keep all the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. MARGARET SHEPARD.
Pennfield, N. Y. Feb. 21st 1856.