A New Believer Embraces the Sabbath
By John Matteson
Bro. WHITE: What infinite and wondrous love our heavenly Father showed to us that he gave his only begotten Son to die for us! And Jesus was not slow to obey his Father. He came to this earth, suffered, died, rose from the grave, ascended on high, entered the sanctuary, and is now in the holiest of holies, before the mercy-seat, pleading for those who have transgressed God's holy law. Blessed be the name of Jesus for ever and ever. The Holy Spirit proceedeth from the Father and the Son; and while Satan is working diligently to deceive mankind, the Holy Spirit is not less active in calling sinners, and reproving of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. About five years ago it was my happy lot to be one among a few who heard and heeded the faithful warnings of the Spirit. I have been examining the different views held by the Advent people for some over a year, and I now rejoice in the truth that the second coming of our Saviour is not far distant. There are a few Seventh-day Adventists in this neighborhood. Last summer Bro. Cady spoke to me about the Sabbath. After some examination and struggling, my heart was at last subdued, and about two months ago, I commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, for which I feel to praise God. I fully believe that this blessing came in answer to the faithful prayers of that little band with whom I have since spent the Sabbath, and as we have met together to worship God, we have rejoiced in the Lord. Last Sabbath I attended the quarterly meeting at Mackford, and after a wearisome journey had a refreshing season. May the Lord bless the brethren and sisters in Mackford, that they may ever be on their guard and be found rejoicing when the Son of man shall thrust in his sickle and reap the harvest of the earth. On my return I visited a few brethren who live near Berlin, and in the evening of the second day of the week, we had a meeting and were strengthened by the grace of God. I am a native of Denmark, and as I endeavor to spread the truth among my countrymen, I often feel the want of tracts in that language to sell or distribute among them. The Norwegians use the same language and many of the Swedes can also read it. I sincerely hope that the Lord will open some way to have such tracts printed and scattered among the people before the last message of mercy shall be finished. Oh that the solemn sound of the third angel's message may be carried to the ends of the earth, and that many may come out of Babylon to join the people of the living God. May the Holy Spirit breathe upon us more pure love, fervent zeal, obedience and meekness, that we may overcome, and at last in the mansions of Jesus sing: "Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty, just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints." JOHN MATTESON. Poysippi, Wis. October 30, 1863.