J. HEATH by J. Heath

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 2, 1861

J. HEATH

By J. Heath

From Bro. Heath.

BRO. SMITH: For the first time I write, as a Sabbath-keeper, to those of like precious faith. It is one year last November, since I first heard preaching from those keeping the Sabbath. I was deeply convicted that I was keeping the wrong day for the Sabbath. I tried to find something for Sunday-keeping, but I could get nothing from the Bible to sustain me in the practice.

The next day I heard preaching directly on the Sabbath. I was fully convinced; but O, the struggle to obey. I had been an Advent believer since 1843, and strong in the time of '44, but had never met a cross like this. Everything that my mind was attached to that would go against the Sabbath came up before me. Must I leave all this and take the narrow way? I had a great deal of sympathy for the Advent people, sympathy for the churches, and my own children against me. But I fully made up my mind to leave all, follow Christ, and keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. It was not, however, till I arose in the congregation and told them my determinations that I received the blessing.

Then joy and peace filled my soul; and never did I love a people before as I now loved those that were keeping the Sabbath. I love them still. Since that time my interest has been with those that keep all the commandments of God. My companion has been with me, and is still, in keeping the Sabbath. We have had many precious seasons with the Sabbath-keepers in Wolcott. Sometimes we have been tempted to think the way too straight; but no, it is just right; and with the remnant we mean to go on to the kingdom.

J. HEATH

South Hardwick, Vt.