The Captain Who Found God’s Special Day

by Anna Galeniece

Snowflakes swirled through the air on a cold February day in 1845 as Joseph Bates, a retired sea captain, sat by his window reading a small newspaper called The Hope of Israel. Captain Bates had sailed across oceans and faced giant storms, but this paper made his mind race even faster than the sea ever had. An article about the Sabbath, written by a man named T. M. Preble, captivated him the most. Captain Bates leaned closer to see whether he had read it correctly. Could it be that the seventh day was the special day God had set apart all along?

He didn’t just wonder; he studied. With an open Bible and written notes, he carefully searched the topic. Soon he became convinced—the seventh day was truly the Sabbath!

Captain Bates didn’t want to keep this exciting discovery to himself. He packed his things and traveled from his home in New Bedford, Massachusetts, all the way to Washington, New Hampshire, to meet other Adventist believers who were teaching the same truth. Talking, praying, and studying together made him even more certain.

On his way back home, bursting with joy, Captain Bates crossed a bridge and met an old friend, Captain Hall. “Good morning! What’s the news?” Captain Hall called out.

“The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord!” Captain Bates replied with a smile. He explained everything he had learned. Captain Hall hurried home, studied with his wife, and soon they believed it too.

Captain Bates shared this truth everywhere he went. But he had an even bigger idea. What if I print this message? he thought. Printed booklets can travel farther than I can! There was only one problem—he had almost no money. In fact, he had just one small coin.

Still, Captain Bates prayed and felt sure God wanted him to write. He sat at his desk and began. Not long after, his wife, Prudence, came in worried. “Joseph, we don’t have enough flour to finish baking.”

Captain Bates quietly used his very last money to buy flour. When his wife realized it was their final cent, she cried, “What will we do?”

Standing tall, Captain Bates said firmly, “I will write this booklet, and God will open the way.”

Soon after, Captain Bates felt impressed to check the post office. There was a letter, but five cents in postage was due, and he had nothing. He asked the postmaster to open the envelope. Inside was a $10 bill! Enough to pay the postage, and much more.

Captain Bates ordered food for his family and paid the printer to print 1,000 booklets about the Sabbath truth. Soon groceries appeared at his house, confusing his wife. When she read the letter later, she understood that God had truly taken care of them.

Because of Captain Bates’ faith, courage, and willingness to give everything, the Sabbath truth reached many hearts. And it shines today, leading people to worship the Lord on His special day.