AN OPENING FOR THE TRUTH by M. Wood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · April 22, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 17

AN OPENING FOR THE TRUTH.

By M. Wood

BY M. WOOD.

For several weeks past the first-day Adventists of Worcester, Mass., have manifested considerable interest in studying the subject of the sanctuary; and we are sorry to say that their investigations left their expositions of Dan. 8:14 in profound darkness. Some of the most prominent members, feeling somewhat dissatisfied with the evidence produced for calling this earth the sanctuary, invited a brother who is in full sympathy with S. D. Adventists, to present his views upon this most important subject, or furnish a substitute to speak one hour upon a stated evening. Having learned that Eld. J. O. Corliss was on a visit at South Lancaster, we lost no time in securing him as a substitute for the brother above mentioned. Eld. C. gave one of the most clear and interesting discourses upon the sanctuary question that the writer ever listened to. Just as he was on the point of explaining the seventy weeks and their relation to the 2300 days, the moderator, with several others, declared that the time allotted to the speaker had expired; while others expressed themselves fully satisfied with what they had heard, stating that they knew all about the sanctuary question. Still others felt indignant at such remarks, and proposed that more time be granted to Eld. Corliss to finish his lecture.

This caused quite a little sensation among the brotherhood; and while the controversy was going on, the words of the Saviour as recorded in Luke 10:3, “Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves,” seemed very applicable. Matthew adds, “Be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” The patience, wisdom, and forbearance manifested by Eld. Corliss during the entire evening did the cause of God in Worcester no harm, and won for him many friends.

They finally granted Bro. C. fifteen or twenty minutes more to finish his subject; an hour or more was then occupied in answering questions. In every instance a ready reply was given, fully substantiated by the word of God. Though frequently interrupted, contradicted, and accused of handling the word of God deceitfully,

Eld. C. showed no signs of impatience and offered no word of remonstrance. The cap-sheaf of opposition was put on by their extinguishing the lights, and leaving Eld. C. in the dark while explaining the Scriptures to private individuals.

Even those who were most bitterly opposed frankly acknowledged that Eld. C. acted the part of a Christian and a gentleman. May God bless Bro. Corliss and his work. We feel assured that he has laid a good foundation for future labor in the city of Worcester, and should the General Conference Committee think it advisable to send him to lecture in Worcester the coming summer, we believe a large company of Sabbath-keepers would be raised up here. There is quite an interest to hear on present truth.

Since writing the foregoing, I have learned that a gentleman doing business in this city, who was present at the meeting referred to in this article, is quite anxious to have Eld. C. give a course of lectures here, promising to contribute very liberally to the tent enterprise. Another business man of this place promises to board him or any other first-class workman, gratuitously, if a tent can be pitched in Worcester.