Awakened to the Sabbath Truth
By William Herald
Bro. Smith: Though a stranger, I write to let you know that I am a lover of the truths advocated in the Review. It is but a short time since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. I rejoice that God ever had thoughts of mercy towards me, and led me to see that I was keeping the traditions of men instead of the commandments of God. I was first awakened to the subject by hearing Brn. Holt and Cornell preach on the perpetuity of the law of God, and then by searching the Scriptures I found that we had none, not even one passage, that would sustain the keeping of the first day of the week for the Sabbath. I saw that the Sabbath of the fourth commandment was as much binding now as it ever was on man, and that it is not a Jewish Sabbath, as some of my friends stigmatize it, but it was given to the children of God for a perpetual covenant, for a sign between God and his people for ever. How good is the Lord! I feel to praise his holy name for his unbounded mercy towards me. When I look back on the past I can see that the Lord has watched over me up to the present time, notwithstanding my unfaithfulness to him. He has led me in a way that I knew not and I will praise his name. Brethren and sisters let us awake from this stupid sleep, let us arise and work with energy for the Lord while the day lasts; for soon the night cometh when no man can work. I feel determined to work while there is yet time. I feel the need of a deeper work of grace in my heart, that I may be prepared to meet my God in peace. I have a great deal to overcome, but by God's grace I will be diligent and not be a slothful servant in the vineyard of my Lord. He will not leave any in darkness that desire to serve him. Brethren let us strive for the Faith of Jesus, keep all the Commandments of God, let Jesus into our hearts, and finally overcome and sit down with Christ on his throne. Yours in hope. W. Herald. Green Spring O., Aug. 25th 1857.