Choosing the Sabbath Despite Opposition
By Mary A. Eaton
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Near two years have rolled around since I first became interested in the Second Advent doctrine. I was convinced of the truth of it232by comparing the state of the churches and the world with the Bible description of the last days. I had never heard a lecture nor read but very little. My uncle at Jackson then gave me some tracts upon the seventh day Sabbath, and also sent me the Review about Aug. 1853. I studied my Bible much with a careful and prayerful desire to know what was truth, and was soon convinced the seventh day was the Sabbath of the Lord. Then came a trial, my husband and all about me that kept any day, kept the first day; but I was convinced there was no Bible commandment for the first day, and about sixteen months ago I commenced trying to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Soon after this my mother, whom I believe to be a pious woman, came to spend a few months with me. She said but little to me on the subject, and that not harsh. I had ever been taught to respect my parents, and felt that my course was grieving to her and also to my husband, and for a time my sensitive feelings triumphed. I gave up, hoping they might see the truth soon and then be my company; but there I could not rest. I was breaking one of the commands of God after I had had light upon the subject; and this verse would often come to my mind: "He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me." Oh I would have been glad to have believed that Sunday was the Sabbath, but I could not. The cross was greater than before. I often thought that I would keep the next Sabbath, but had not strength to take up the cross. I wanted company but could not have it. I soon felt that let others do as they would, I must obey the command of God, and prayed in earnest for strength to take my stand on the side of truth. I then had the privilege of hearing Brn. Loughborough and Cornell lecture in the tent at Jackson last Aug. when I saw the truths of the Second Advent doctrine more clearly than ever, and have since tried to keep all the commandments of God. My husband and myself have been members of the Baptist Church sixteen years, but I can truly say that I never felt so great an anxiety to see christians engaged and sinners converted as for a year past; and my prayer is that I may be more faithful, that I may strive in earnest to overcome my own besetting sins. I feel that I need to be more holy, more like my blessed Master. I want to be found having on the wedding garment. I thank God that I ever saw the light of the third angel's message. My Bible is more plain and more precious to me than ever. The letters in the Review are strengthening to me. I would not be deprived of it for double its cost. I wish that some of the messengers might come this way; for I think there is an anxiety on the part of many to hear. I know our position is unpopular. I am thought by many to be led away with strange doctrines, especially with regard to the unconscious state of the dead; but what the Bible teaches I will try to embrace, let people think of me as they will. The consciousness that God's law is superior to any human law, has sustained martyrs in the flames; and we shall be sustained let what will come, do we but put our trust in God. I have not the privilege of meeting with commandment keepers, but feel that I am many times blessed when alone, pray for me brethren and sisters that my faith fail not.
Yours hoping to enter into eternal life.
MARY A. EATON.
Sharon, Mich., Apr. 30th, 1855.