p. 63 | A. W. GOULD by A. W. Gould

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 17, 1865

A. W. GOULD

By A. W. Gould

From Sister Gould.

BRO. WHITE: Having had the privilege of reading the Advent Review, for nearly two years past, and the tone of the paper being such as I had long desired, I wish to add a few lines to its columns. I have never seen but few who have received the third angel's message, except the members of the church of which I am a member, and yet I feel acquainted with many by way of their correspondence in the paper. I have heard preaching by an elder of present truth, two days only. His sermons I highly prized. When but a youth, it was a puzzle to me to know why the first day was kept as Sabbath when the seventh was so clearly pointed out in the fourth commandment, and why the Sabbath did not commence in the evening instead of at midnight. I was sure I could not tell, nor satisfactorily find out, but settled down upon the opinion that probably the clergy were right; until my husband, while laboring in a neighboring town, attended a course of lectures given by Elders Hutchins and Bourdeau, became interested in the truth, and purchased the Sabbath History. He said to me, we are keeping the wrong day for Sabbath. I replied as they all kept Sunday here, I guessed we had better continue to keep the day that others did. I commenced reading the Sabbath History, and in the preface while reading the quotation of Scripture 'In vain do ye worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men.' I was led to pause and consider its meaning. It implied, I thought, that the commandments of men were liable to be taught, and likely Sunday was one. As I perused the History, I was convinced it was high time for me to reform. I wished to follow the teachings of inspiration, notwithstanding the quietness in our little village on Sunday, the bells ringing for meeting, and the strictness with which I had been brought up to observe it.

We were invited by a brother to attend meetings with the Seventh-day Adventists, the nearest of which were held at West Wilton, where we have occasionally met and enjoyed precious seasons. I wish to do as much as is in my power for the promotion of truth and to live as near the gospel rule given us by our blessed Lord, as possible. I often think of the apostle's language, 'What manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness.' How high indeed is our calling, and how exemplary should be our lives; how precious the moments while Jesus is our intercessor. And if our treasures are laid up in Heaven, how rich the promises that the King of glory will come to receive us, and we shall ever be with the Lord and the redeemed throng.

Yours in the love of the truth.

A. W. GOULD

Mason Village, N. H.