A Wanderer’s Testimony from Canada
By Elizabeth N. Harris
To the Editor of the REVIEW AND HERALD. DEAR BROTHER:—After being for months a wanderer from my family and home, I can here raise my Ebenezer, and say, Hitherto hath the Lord been my helper. In every hour of trial and affliction, I have realized that as a father piteth his children, so the Lord piteth those that fear him; and that he will never leave nor forsake those who put their trust in him. During the months in which I have been visiting friends, both in Upper and Lower Canada, it has not been my lot to meet with one Advent Sabbath-keeper, and my Sabbaths have been spent among those who were busily engaged in preparing to observe the first day of the week; thus taking the Lord's time to prepare for keeping the commandments of men; though at times I have not felt lonely, yet I thank God that my peace has often been as a river. Would that my righteousness was as the waves of the sea. Feeling that I am a helpless worm of the earth, it has been my constant endeavor to seek for grace and wisdom from on high, that I might not dishonor the cause of truth, or cast a stumbling-block in the way of any. I feel thankful to say, that I have met with some of like precious faith with regard to the second advent of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: men who, loving the Saviour, long for his return to earth; and whose eyes are now turned to the East, anxiously watching the signs of the times, that they may be able to answer the inquiry, "Watchman, what of the night." In some denominations in Canada, there seems to be a general spirit of inquiry, both among ministers and people, and sermons are frequently preached upon the relation the present war sustains to prophecy. The brother with whom I am now residing in Canada, is at present engaged in examining the subject of man's nature and future destiny; should he embrace what we consider the Bible view on the subject, who may tell the good which he may accomplish. His position in the church, and his widespread influence, would enable him to be much more useful than any stranger could be in the Province. Even now he is wielding a great influence in bringing these truths, and also the Sabbath question, before the people; as day after day brother ministers call in and these subjects are freely canvassed, and a general spirit of inquiry awakened, both among ministers and people. The M. E. church in Canada has always been foremost in all questions of reform, and from what opportunity I have had of becoming acquainted with her ministry, I can truly say I have never met with a more holy, humble, and zealous class of men. They seem calm, reasonable, and intelligent, and on an equality with their Christian brethren, having no disposition to act as lords over God's heritage. When looking abroad upon this wide field, which seems white already unto harvest, I am often ready to exclaim, Who is sufficient for these things? But I rejoice to know that the work is the Lord's, and do pray him to send forth laborers into his vineyard. The so-called Sabbath question is exciting great interest in all parts of Canada. Sermons are preached, and tracts on Sunday-keeping are distributed, and the mind of church members generally seems prepared for a law rigorously enforcing the strict observance of the first day of the week. In Lower Canada especially they seem very anxious upon the subject, as the Catholics who form so large a class of the community, do not keep the day in accordance with Protestant ideas of propriety. Conversing upon the subject a short time ago at the house of a friend, a very intelligent gentleman who was present said, "If I were not a Roman Catholic, I would certainly be upon your side of the question; but of course I consider the authority of the church sufficient." I find church members generally, much opposed to our views of the Sabbath. Having labored for years to secure the observance of Sunday, they feel anxious to preserve their ranks from division; and argue that it is better to have one day well kept, than two partially, even if the law is still in force. Thus we see the enemy has been going ahead preparing the minds of the people to resist the truth, and reject the law of God. Kilworth, Sept. 6th, 1855.