Finding a Heavenly Home Through the Sabbath
By S. E. Edwards
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Being at Gilboa on business when Brn. Holt and Cornell were there with the tent, I stopped to hear them a little while. When I had heard one discourse I wanted to hear another, and so I stopped and heard two discourses. Then I had to leave for home, but I took the Bible Student's Assistant with me, and went to the Bible alone for the truth. There I found the ten commandments which I had been taught were done away. When I found that the word of God could not be altered or changed, then I saw where I stood. I had, as I thought, been traveling the road to heaven for eighteen years in the Disciples church, with as good a conscience as Paul when he was going to Damascus to persecute the Lord's brethren. I thank God that I have seen the light as well as Paul. After I was convinced that it was my duty to keep the Sabbath, I made it known to my church, and they told me that they could not fellowship me if I would violate the first day of the week. Then I thought I had thrown myself out of a home. I wept and mourned, but at last the Lord made me to feel that I had a home in heaven. O brethren, what a comfort I found in God's word. I now found that there was a work for me to do. I called all my family together one Sabbath morning, and told them that Christ was the head of the church, and man was the head of the family, and I wanted them to obey me. I told them that it was the Sabbath, and they must not do any work in it. They all looked sad, and my wife wept, and thought it strange that I had changed my faith. I then commenced to preach to the people, and now through the blessing of God, eight heads of families have received the light, and are now meeting with me on the Sabbath. We are persecuted, but thank the Lord we are willing to bear persecution for Christ's sake. Since then, in answer to prayer, my wife has been brought to see and obey the truth. Before I received the truth I was taught that the gifts, and even the Holy Ghost ceased with the apostles; but since I have examined the Bible for myself, I find the promise yet remains in the church, and I thank God that I have felt its power and effect. Sometimes I think I will not try to talk the truth to others any more, but the harvest is ripe and laborers few, and I must do what I can. When God's Spirit strives with me, I feel like obeying its directions. May God help me so to do. Yours in Christ. S. E. EDWARDS. Shunk, Ohio March 22nd, 1858.