A Testimony for the Sabbath Truth
By Israel Deyoe
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel anxious to add my testimony to the truth, and tell what the Lord has done for my soul. About a year ago last November, I was deeply convicted of my guilt as a sinner. I strove against the Holy Spirit until I was subdued by its power, and was willing to have Christ rule and reign over me. The place where I trust I was made happy in a Saviour's love, was in the city of Brooklyn. I there joined the Methodist class. In February I removed to the city of New York, where I was still under Methodist influence. I there commenced attending Baptist meetings, and became interested in the subject of Baptism, and was baptized as a member of the Shiloh Baptist Church. There I remained until last October, when I received a letter of dismissal to unite with the Second Baptist Church in Rochester. The brethren of this church, most of them, seemed to be in a lukewarm state. I soon heard of a place where the power of religion was felt. I commenced attending meetings of those who observe the seventh-day Sabbath, and, very unexpectedly I was convinced of having broken the fourth commandment. I now endeavored to get rid of this; but my conscience, and the evidence I could obtain from the Bible, led me to lift the cross, and confess the truth. Previous to this, I had heard very little of so speedy a close of time, or the third angel's message. But I do thank God for this glorious truth, and that I am now keeping the seventh day as the Sabbath of the Lord our God. Our Saviour suffered without the gates of the city, and I now go without the camp, bearing the reproach. There is something here that plainly shows a mark, or a seal, that God uses to set apart and sanctify a people for himself. Here is something that separates us from the love of the world, from its fashions and customs, and unites us in closer communion with our heavenly Father. "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus." I am willing to suffer for one. Christ strengthening me I can do all things, though briars and thorns may tear me here, yet my eye is fixed upon the Morning Star. "For yet a little while and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry." O may God give me sufficient grace to endure, until I meet him in peace. We who embrace the third angel's message, and refuse the mark of the beast, in a little while shall see the King in his beauty, and shout our sufferings over. The pearly gates of the New Jerusalem will swing back upon their glittering hinges, and Jesus will bid us enter in. Is not such a hope as this enough to give us courage? A home in glory is enough to cause us to leave this world behind, and seek a holier, happier clime, where we shall gaze on the unveiled glory of King Jesus for-ever. Your brother striving for eternal life, ISRAEL DEYOE. Rochester, N. Y.