p. 149 | Review and Herald, Vol. 51, No. 19. (5/9/1878)

Earlier text: HISTORY AND TRINE IMMERSION

THE KINGS OF THE EAST.

The great river Euphrates, Rev. 16:12, a symbol of the Turkish empire, is to be dried up under the sixth plague, that the way of the kings of the east may be prepared. What people or nations are meant by the “kings of the east,” has been a question of some study with many.

An article in The Christian Union of May 1, 1878, possibly throws some light on this question. In an article headed, “An Unknown War,” that paper describes a campaign conducted by the Chinese government against Western Kansuh, and Eastern Turkestan, ending with the capture of Kashgar, the capital of the latter.

These provinces were able to make no small show of resistance, and the operations covered a region of country 2000 miles in extent. The war was conducted in a manner similar to the modes of modern Western warfare, employing modern weapons, a general staff, an admirable commissariat, and an efficient artillery train. The invading army on one occasion marched 400 miles in 21 days, capturing in that time three cities and winning one pitched battle.

The article closes with this significant statement: “Kashgar is not far from half way between Pekin and St. Petersburg, and already there are prophets who anticipate more danger to Europe from the Mongolian than from the Muscovite.”

So long as the Turkish empire stands, its independence guaranteed by the powers of Europe, so long an effectual barrier remains against the irruption of the modern hordes of the interior of Asia into Western Asia, and Eastern Europe. But when Turkey falls, their way will be prepared, the barrier removed; and why may we not expect deluging waves of them to flow westward, as at times in the middle ages?

Joel uses an expression which looks directly to such a movement as we approach the great day of the Lord. Joel 3:11–14: “Assemble yourselves and come all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, O Lord. Let the heathen be wakened, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the heathen round about. Put ye in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. . . . The day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.”

While the western power is drying up, the multitudes in the east who are to come up to the battle of the great day are already, by their movements, attracting the attention of the world. The way seems to be rapidly preparing for the fulfillment of Joel and Revelation.

DENMARK

By John G. Matteson

ALSTRUP, APRIL 8.—The past week has been an eventful one. The enemies to the truth have assailed us on many sides and in many ways, but the word of God has, nevertheless, had success. The preaching of the word has caused great excitement, and some souls break through and find peace and joy in communion with the Lord.

Last Tuesday the parish priest, from Ö. Brönderslev came to our meeting again at Nörrehede. Many were present. The conversation, which lasted about two hours, was almost entirely on the subject of baptism. He made many important admissions, which will serve to strengthen our cause here. His defense of infant baptism was very weak, his main point being that in infant baptism no promise is made from man's side, thus trying to prove that there is no agreement entered into in baptism; this he advanced as proof for the statement that 1 Pet. 3:21 does not apply to our time, but to the time of Peter and his contemporaries. But there is a promise made in infant baptism, for the priest asks: Do you renounce the devil and all his his works? To which the person who carries the child, replies, Yes. The priest's argument was therefore based on an entirely false statement.

This week I have had the pleasure of burying nine souls in baptism. Men tried to hinder us; but the Lord helped, so that we had our baptism, unmolested by the mob. Our hearts were much encouraged.

I have received a letter from a friend in Christiana, Norway. He has for several years been convinced on many points of the truth. He is general agent for the Union Steamship Line, and runs a fish establishment. He writes that there are some who show an interest in the word of God, and that souls would come into the truth, if the word could be preached there.

I have also received very urgent invitations from Fyen and Sjælland (two of the islands of the Danish archipelago). It pains me that we cannot fill the calls that are made.

Yesterday I held a meeting in the Alstrup meeting-house, which was filled, as usual. One young brother from Svendstrup came twenty-three miles to see me. He has kept the Sabbath for some time, and loves the truth, although he has read only a few copies of the TIDENDE. He has suffered some for the truth's sake, but he has gained the victory over the enemy and has not become weary. He received a set of our tracts. We also gave a set to another brother who wished to search the Scriptures and become strengthened in the truth. To-day I send another package of books to Norway. There are many who wish to read them, and we hope they may be a blessing to them.

We long for our children and our brethren in the faith, in the far West; but we rejoice that we can be united in spirit, although we are absent in body. We are grateful for Bro. White's encouraging words and for all the good will the friends in America have shown us. May the Lord richly bless every good work, and soon gather us to the eternal mansions.

JOHN G. MATTESON.

WHY WE REJOICE.

By William Ings

We, with our brethren, rejoice in the prosperity and success of the truths which we as a people cherish. We can look back only a few years, and remember what emotions of gratitude we felt when we saw in the columns of the REVIEW reports that a score of precious souls had received the Sabbath as the result of a week's labor. But the truth has so spread that converts to the down-trodden Sabbath are no longer counted by scores, but by hundreds.

An account has been kept of reports in the REVIEW AND HERALD and SIGNS OF THE TIMES for five weeks, commencing with the last week in February. The result shows that seven hundred and seventeen have identified themselves with those observing the seventh-day Sabbath. These have all received our views through the direct labors of our ministers. Hundreds are being gathered into the gospel net by reading our publications; and these are not reckoned in the above figures. Truly we have reason to be encouraged, and it should stimulate us to activity. God is preparing minds everywhere for the reception of the last warning message.

A letter just received from England tells us that the people are hungering for the truth. A good sister who has been in the truth but a short time, and who is poor in this world's goods, but filled with love for souls, finds many willing to read; and those that cannot read for themselves listen to her. Truly the Lord is good in giving us the light. People may scoff, as when Noah preached that the flood was coming upon the earth; but notwithstanding the unbelief of men in this generation, the message is going with power, and it will continue to increase in power until the warning has been given, and all the honest have been gathered in one faith, believing the plain declarations of God's word, that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and that Christ will come visibly in the clouds of heaven to gather those who have been looking for him.

Bâle, Suisse. WILLIAM INGS.

A REQUEST.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Traveling among our brethren, I find in almost every church striking examples of the special providence of God in dealing with those who have sacrificed for the cause, or, on the other hand, have withheld their means when they should have given, particularly the tithe. I think it would be for the glory of God if such cases could be related before our brethren. I know of scores of such cases myself, but don’t feel at liberty to mention them without permission. Could we have the names and facts briefly stated, they would form very interesting reading matter for the REVIEW. It would encourage the faith of our brethren, and warn those who are in danger of robbing God. The Lord has promised specially to bless those who will honor him with their substance (Prov. 3:9, 10), and to curse those who withhold their tithes. Mal. 3:8–11.

I therefore request those of our brethren or sisters who have had any experience in this matter, on either side of the question, to write out a brief statement of the facts, and forward it to me, with the privilege of using it if thought best. Have you some time been tempted to withhold your tithes? And have you done it? Are you satisfied that you have met with losses in consequence of it? Briefly state the facts. Have you made a sacrifice to pay your tithes, or to make donations to the cause, and have you been blessed for it? Give God the glory, and tell the truth. I am personally knowing to scores of cases illustrating both sides of this question. I think it would be for the glory of God to have these facts more generally known among our people. D. M. CANRIGHT.

SABBATH-SCHOOLS

By Roswell F. Cottrell

It is evident that Sabbath-schools have been too much neglected among us as a people. Still some have shown a commendable zeal in this department of the work of God. Most do not realize the importance of this work as they should. I confess, for one, that I have not. Had we all seen the importance of it fifteen, twenty, twenty-five years ago, how much might have been done for the salvation of the children and youth that has not been done.

Now, since an effort to introduce a better state of things in this respect is being made, let us all come up unitedly to the work. Something may yet be done, though time is short; and the shortness of the time in which we can labor should stimulate us to earnest efforts to do what we can. Let us redeem the time. Let us make a united effort to come up to duty. We may yet save many souls, by teaching in the Sabbath-school the great truths of the gospel of salvation. Let us no longer neglect this part of our duty to God and dying humanity.

R. F. COTTRELL.

HOW SHALL I LIVE?

By R. F. Cottrell

I OFTEN hear people acknowledge the Sabbath truth, but they say, “I don’t see how I am going to live, if I keep the Sabbath.” This is talking just as our Saviour told us not to talk. “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (for after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Campbell translates: “But seek first the kingdom of God and the righteousness required by him; and all these things shall be superadded to you.”

Are we not in the hand of God? Shall we take ourselves out of his hand, and take care of ourselves? We read: “Keep my commandments and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.” “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life.”

Should we anxiously ask, How shall we live if we keep the commandments? For me I do not see how I am to live, if I do not keep them. R. F. COTTRELL.

The Kansas Camp-Meeting.

By George I. Butler

Having been requested by members of the General Conference Committee to attend the Kansas camp-meeting, and the Missouri meetings to be held one and two weeks later, in company with Bro. Farnsworth, the President of the Iowa Conference, I will say to the friends of the cause in Kansas, We will endeavor to be with you in season and will labor to our utmost for a profitable meeting. We shall be glad of the privilege of meeting many old friends whose faces we have not seen for several years, and of engaging anew with them in the good work of seeking God. We are living in a time of the deepest interest. God is blessing his own work in many parts of the field. He will bless us bountifully if we place ourselves in connection with the living waters.

At this meeting we want a general rally of the old friends of the cause, and those who have more recently embraced the truth. Let us come together expecting this will be the best meeting ever held in Kansas. We hope the officers of the Conference will see that the meeting is largely advertised; that all preparations are made in season; that books are provided; and that provision is made for all who are not prepared to take care of themselves. Let us all attend this meeting with an earnest desire for a deeper consecration to God and to his work, and so make it a new era for the cause of present truth in Kansas. Be on the ground promptly at the beginning of the meeting, and stay till the close. Come to seek the Lord. Bring those with you who need help, your unconverted friends, and we trust the Master of assemblies will be with us. GEO. I. BUTLER.

GENERAL MEETING FOR OSWEGO CO., N. Y.

By B. L. WHITNEY; A. H. HALL

After consultation with the director of Dist. No. 2, it is decided to hold a general meeting for Oswego Co., N. Y., at Roosevelt, N. Y., May 11 and 12. Particular pains has been taken to give notice of this meeting in every church in the county, and we want to see every Sabbath-keeper in these churches at this time. There are important matters that should be considered, and in order to do this effectually we must have a general gathering of the brethren and sisters. We would gladly visit every church in the district and hold meetings with each, but we have not time to do this; but if the brethren will make the effort to meet with us here, we can accomplish in one week all that we could in a month if we had to visit each church.

The best season of the year for Sabbath-school work has come, and we want to see an efficient Sabbath-school organized in every church in our Conference. At our State quarterly meeting at Pulaski, N. Y., April 27 and 28, a State Sabbath-school Association was formed to assist in the accomplishment of this object. This branch of the work will receive particular attention. In this work we want the co-operation of the brethren everywhere, and believe we shall have it when they come to see and feel the importance of this part of the work. There are many localities where Sunday-schools can be organized, and become a practicable means of presenting the truth. There are other important interests that will also be considered.

We are much encouraged by the good report of our tract workers for the past quarter, and are anxious that, as far as possible, this interest may be maintained during the busy season of the year. The tract work will receive its share of attention.

Now, when we say we want to see a general representation from every church, we mean more than that. We want to see those who are always in the habit of coming. We know they will be there, unless sickness or something of the kind prevents; but we want to see those who do not usually come. We want to see our house of worship at Roosevelt well filled with brethren and sisters, and we shall, if all come who ought to.

One thing more: Come to stay till the meeting is through, if it takes all day Monday. Many of our brethren seem to think if they attend the meeting on the Sabbath they have done their duty. This is a mistake. Sunday is generally the most important day of the meeting, and those who are absent on that day often miss just the part of the meeting they need most.

Brethren, the work of the third angel’s message is going forward in a most wonderful manner. Shall we not improve this opportunity to try to get more into the spirit of the work, that we may be prepared for the part we have to act, and thus not be left to fall behind and lose the spirit of the message? May the Lord help us so to seek him that we may have his presence with us in abundant measure.

B. L. WHITNEY.

A. H. HALL.

Iowa and Nebraska Tent Pledges.

By E. W. Farnsworth

I WISH to call the attention of our brethren to their tent pledges. The tents are ready to ship, and the money is wanted now. We feel anxious about this matter. We have four new tents this summer. Their aggregate cost will not be far from $600, and we need every dollar of this immediately. We hope our brethren will send it at once, if possible. And further, we urge those who have not yet pledged or given anything, not to neglect to do so; for we are yet behind considerably. Send all money to C. G. Johnston, Sigourney, Iowa.

E. W. FARNSWORTH.

Cultivating Mind, Heart, and Body

It has been well said that if we would have beautiful minds, we must think; if we would have faithful hearts, we must love; if we would have strong muscles, we must labor. These include all that is valuable in life.

IOWA

Waukon.—I came to Waukon, April 11. Of late this church has been greatly reduced in numbers, not by apostasy, but by removals. Those who gained a good experience here and learned to bear burdens are now pillars in several of our large churches in this Conference and others. But the removals have left this church weak in numbers, and I found them somewhat discouraged. I labored for the conversion of the young and the encouragement of the old, and God blessed my efforts. Eight of the youth made a public profession, and I had the pleasure of baptizing them. These were young persons of promise; three of them had taught school with good success. We left the church greatly encouraged, and we see no reason why they may not prosper.

Fayette.—Tuesday I came to Fayette. Held a meeting in the P. M., after which I baptized nine. It was a good season for us all. A good portion of these were children of Sabbath-keepers, yet grown up to man and womanhood. Although the notice of the meeting had been short, yet the attendance was large. The bank of the river was thronged with spectators, and I feel sure a good impression was made.

Sigourney.—Sabbath and Sunday, April 20, 21, I spent with the church at Sigourney. We were glad to meet Bro. Butler, who had kindly consented to attend our State quarterly meeting of the T. and M. society; but we were sadly disappointed in not seeing more of the officers of the society out. As the president was detained at home, and the directors, for some reason, were not there, our meeting, so far as business matters were concerned, was a failure. But charity for the officers of our T. and M. society prompts me to say that I do not think their absence from this meeting is a fair index of their interest in the work. As all these brethren had promptly attended the meetings recently held by Bro. Canright and myself, they no doubt felt that they had done about all they could. Nevertheless, we think they made a great mistake.

When we saw that our T. and M. business could not be attended to, we turned our attention to the spiritual wants of the church; and here God did not disappoint us. We labored for the conversion of old and young, and a good start was made. On Monday morning, before we left them, I had the pleasure of burying nineteen in baptism; these united with the church.

The scene at the water’s edge was one that will be long remembered by those who participated in it. As these dear souls arose to walk in newness of life, the Spirit of God rested upon them, and as they were restored to their friends, who had prayed and labored so long for them, tears of penitence and joy were freely mingled. Thus closes another week’s labor, in which thirty-six have been baptized and have united with the people of God. Nearly all of these have been converted during this time. I now go to Nebraska to labor for a few weeks. My courage is good.

My permanent P. O. address is Knoxville, Marion Co., Iowa. Letters may be sent to my places of meeting, however.

E. W. Farnsworth.

Nebraska City, Neb., April 25.

Fonda, April 29. Last Sabbath and first-day I met with the church at Fonda. We had a full attendance, and every member took part in the meeting. One was added to the church. We organized a Sabbath-school. God will bless these brethren and sisters, if they will enter into this work with earnestness.

I obtained five subscribers for the INSTRUCTOR; two for the REFORMER; two for the REVIEW; and two for the SIGNS.

At Sac City we organized S. S. to the amount of $83.30. At this place two more signed the covenant. May God bless the companies at Sac City and Fonda.

At Storm Lake the late tornado destroyed Bro. King’s house, killed his mother-in-law, injured his family, and destroyed his garden, by which he made most of his living. He needs help. G. V. Kilgore.

Sheldahl, April 25. The people at Sheldahl are very much interested in our lectures. The truth is raising quite a stir throughout the neighborhood. Our large hall is crowded every evening when the roads are good. The Methodist minister here attends most of the time, and tells his members to come.

Men say, “Can’t you come to our school-house in the country, and talk these things to our people?” We spoke in the town north of this, on the prophecies and coming of the Lord, and nearly every one in the house voted to have us come back. The calls are plenty.

William Everhart.

Scott Kilgore.

TEXAS TENT.

By R. M. Kilgore; L. Caldwell

Terrell, Kaufman Co., April 29.

SINCE our last report, our tent has been blown down in a midnight gale, ripping some forty-four feet of canvas, but doing little other damage. The seat backs, being pivoted on bolts, fell forward with the center pole without serious damage. They are four-inch pine strips, planed and resting in mortises in uprights. The entire expense for back, planed, machine made, is 20 cts., uprights and all. We missed two evenings on account of the storm; losing some interest. Sunday evening a large audience gave profound attention to a searching discourse on Matt. 5:17–19; 15:1–9; 19:16–22; Jas. 2:8–12. Many are convinced and we hope for a good work. Had a good Sabbath meeting. We bring in the Sabbath early so as to have time to press it. Spiritualism to night. We visit much.

R. M. KILGORE. L. CALDWELL.

KENTUCKY

By S. Osborn

AFTER our quarterly meeting at Elizabethtown I went to Bear Wallow, where I preached three times. I visited some, and tried to encourage the Sabbath-keepers there.

I then went to Glover’s Creek, where I commenced meetings, Sabbath, the 20th. I found the Sabbath-keepers here had given up pork, coffee, and tobacco, and were ready for organization. I continued my labors until the 25th inst. Organized a church of ten members, nine of whom I baptized. This church is to be known as the Glover’s Creek church. Some who are keeping the Sabbath were not ready to join yet, and there are others for whom we hope. With the exception of one family, they are quite poor and in debt for their land. Their S. B. only amounts to $12.12, but they are all willing to do something. Three of those I baptized were boys whose ages were 11, 12, and 14 years. I have never baptized any one I thought more worthy than these boys. May God bless them. The father of one of these boys was a rank infidel; but at the close of our meeting he said he did not know what he might do yet, but if the Bible was true, we had the truth, particularly on spiritual gifts and S. B.

On the night of the 23d there was the most terrible storm of wind ever known in this part of the State. There was some rain with the storm. The extent is not known yet, but several counties have been heard from. Much of the timber is blown down, torn up by the roots, or twisted off. As far as we have heard, but few have been killed. Some property has been lost, houses and barns have been unroofed, fruit trees blown down, and roads stopped up so as to be impassable.

I go from here to Bullitt county, where another church is waiting to be organized. I then design to go to Tennessee to start the tent. May God help the cause in this Conference this year, is my prayer.

S. OSBORN.

Knob Lick, Metcalfe Co., April 29.

KANSAS

Cherokee, Crawford Co., May 1.

APRIL 25 to 29, I held meetings with the brethren seven miles north-east of this place. Here we had a temporary organization of ten members. We have now made a permanent organization. Seven were baptized and the same number added to the church. An elder was elected and ordained, and a secretary and treasurer appointed. They take the name of the Amity church of S. D. Adventists. Their post-office is Cherokee, Crawford Co., Kan. J. H. Cook.

Richland and Palermo.

I was at Richland, Apr. 9-19. Some trials of a serious nature prevented us from accomplishing as much as otherwise would have been done, still I trust some good was done. Several came forward for prayers, some for the first time. Their new meeting-house is about ready for dedication. It will comfortably seat two hundred and fifty persons, and is a credit to the church.

April 19-29, I was with the church at Palermo. Some had taken a stand for the truth since I was there in the winter, and three were baptized the next day after our meetings commenced. Before they closed three more were baptized, making six additions to the church; all were adults but one. SMITH SHARP.

Ottawa, May 1, 1878.

DISCUSSION IN KANSAS.

By G. H. Rogers

Our meetings at Clarion, Sedgwick Co., continued without interruption until April 3, when, the arrangement being completed, the discussion began. The proposition read as follows: “Do the Sacred Scriptures authorize the keeping of the first day of the week as the day of special rest and worship during the Christian dispensation?”

Eld. Crobarger, who planned and agreed to affirm the proposition, promising to continue the debate for three evenings, began by reading Gen. 2:1-3. His first argument was that God blessed and sanctified that one seventh day for himself, and not for man.

Bro. Lamont replied: He blessed it because

he had rested in it; sanctified it, i. e., set it apart to a holy or religious use, so necessary for holy or religious beings. The Sabbath was made for man. Mark 2:27.

ARG. 2. God instituted the Sabbath at the giving of the manna. Ex. 16.

ANS. 2. There is no mention of its institution here. He had given it a long time before. See verses 28, 29; Gen. 2:2, 3.

ARG. 3. The Sabbath of the ten commandments was associated with perishable things, and went down at the crucifixion. Heb. 8:13; 10:1.

ANS. 3. Not so, but it is associated with other moral precepts, that are eternal in their nature. Read the law. Ex. 20:3-17.

ARG. 4. The ten commandments, as Jewish law, were a part of the old covenant; Gal. 3:21-25; Ex. 34:28; Deut. 4:13; and abolished at the cross; 2 Cor. 3:13; and nailed to it; Col. 2:14; and are dead; Rom. 7:6.

ANS. 4. The ten commandments could not be the old covenant; for that was written by Moses in a book, and dedicated by being sprinkled with blood. Ex. 24:7, 8; Heb. 9:18-20. This was done before Moses was called up into the mountain to receive the tables of stone and the law that God had written; Ex. 24:12; and about three months elapsed between the dedication of the old covenant and the time when the tables of stone came into the possession of the Israelites. Ex. 24:18; 34:28.

ARG. 5. Christ fulfilled the types, thus doing them away; but I cannot see how Christ could fulfill the ten commandments, yet as part of the law, they were done away also. Matt. 5:17-19. Upon this point I shall hope to receive some light from my worthy opponent.

ANS. 5. In Christ the types met their antitype, and so passed away, having served their purpose. Gal. 3:19; Heb. 9:9, 10. Christ fulfilled the ten commandments by keeping them perfectly, John 15:10, leaving us an example that we should follow his steps, that the law might be fulfilled in us. Rom. 8:4. But if the ten commandments are done away, what is the law now? Who gave it, and when? How many commandments are there in it? Is it right to steal, or lie, or worship idols now? We demand a copy of the new law in your next speech. The sinner is slain by the law, not the law by the sinner—“Being dead to that” margin. Rom. 7:6.

ARG. 6. No testament is of force till the testator is dead. It is by the death of Christ that the new covenant is brought in. Heb. 9:15. The new covenant is the last will of Christ. Matt. 26:28. Nothing is binding not found in that last will; Heb. 9:16, 17; and there is no Sabbath in that will.

ANS. 6. The Testator died on the sixth day, and the Sabbath was observed on the very next day, the seventh, according to the commandment. Luke 23:56. Upon the first day of the week the disciples were ready to work. Chap. 24:1. How could the first day become the day of special rest and worship three days after the death of the Testator? “Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.” Gal. 3:15.

ARG. 7. I propose to prove by apostolic example and precept, especially by apostolic example, that the first day of the week is the special day of rest and worship in the Christian dispensation. 1 Cor. 11:20-29; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2.

ANS. 7. “There is one lawgiver,” Jas. 4:12; there are not twelve. Paul and his company remained at Troas over the Sabbath, then Luke, Timothy and the others, started on their long journey with the ship, Paul remaining to preach that night. Acts 20:8. On first-day morning he went afoot across to Assos, according to previous arrangement, verse 13, and all continued their journey toward Jerusalem. 1 Cor. 16:2: “Let every one of you lay by him in store.” This is not a public collection, but a private laying aside at home, a business transaction.

ARG. 8. John 20:19: “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” The disciples collected here for some purpose. It looks suspiciously as though they were holding a meeting. It was for rest, at least. They met again, for the same purpose, on the next first day. Verse 26.

ANS. 8. This was not a religious meeting. The disciples were at home at supper. Acts 1:12; Mark 16:14. The Lord upbraided them with their unbelief, because they did not believe in his resurrection. Thomas, being absent on the first occasion, did not believe the Lord had been raised; so not on the eighth day, but after eight days, Jesus came to convince him. Verses 24-27.

ARG. 9. The resurrection day is called Lord’s day. Rev. 1:10: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day.”

ANS. 9. Rev. 1:10 does not say that the resurrection day or the first day of the week is the Lord’s day; but the Lord does claim the Sabbath day. Mark 2:27; Ex. 20:10; Isa. 58:13.

ARG. 10. In no part of the New Testament do we read one line or word of any meeting for divine worship on the Jewish Sabbath, the seventh day.

ANS. 10. Please read Acts 13:42-44; a meeting for both Jews and Gentiles; chap. 16:13; regular prayer-meetings were held on the Sabbath; chap. 18:4, 11; Sabbath meetings for a year and a half by the apostle Paul. More could be furnished, but where is the record of a meeting for divine worship on the first day of the week, in the day time?

ARG. 11. Matt. 5:17-21; “Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of Heaven,” etc. This is the ten commandment law, and the Lord is explaining it to the Jews. All was fulfilled and passed away at the close of their dispensation. (On the second evening, Bro. C. concluded that Christ was not speaking of the ten commandments, and that this teaching was to the disciples.—REPORTER.)

ANS. 11. Are the prophecies all fulfilled? Dan. 12:2. Is the resurrection past? Have heaven and earth passed away? Then not one jot or tittle (letter or part of a letter) of the law has failed. Christ, in fulfillment of the prophecy, “He shall magnify the law and make it honorable,” Isa. 42:21, is showing that the law takes hold of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Matt. 5:21, 22, 27, 28, 33-37. The Mediator, with the law in his heart, Ps. 40:8, is writing it in the hearts of his disciples. The apostles, as able ministers of the new covenant, continued this work of writing the law on the tables of stone, in the hearts of the people.

ARG. 12. The law of God was not given for any people but the Jews. Gentiles had not the law, but obeyed the laws of nature, or were a law unto themselves; and this is a Gentile dispensation, so the law is not for us. Rom. 2:14.

ANS. 12. Rom. 2:15: “The Gentiles show the work of the law written in their hearts.” Lev. 20:22, 23, shows that the Gentile nations were driven out of Canaan for violating the same law to which the Israelites were under obligation. “God is no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.” Acts 10:34, 35. “All thy commandments are righteousness.” Ps. 119:172, 142.

Eld. C. did not appear on the third evening, but sent a letter to the moderators, abandoning his cause. He assigned as a reason that he had just learned our purpose to publish a report of the discussion in our papers. The audience, upon learning this, by a rising vote invited Bro. Lamont to proceed with his summary of arguments used, which he did as follows:—

The Sabbath was instituted at creation. Gen. 2:2, 3.
It was made for man. Mark 2:27.
Christ is its Lord. Mark 2:28.
It was known to the Israelites before the manna fell. Ex. 16:27, 28.
Christ observed it; Luke 4:16; and taught his followers to do so. Matt. 24:20.
It was the regular meeting day for both Jewish and Gentile Christians. Acts 16:13; 13:42-44; 18:4, 11.
The first day of the week is a working day. Gen. 1:1-5; Matt. 28:1; Mark 16:1, 2; Luke 23:56; 24:1; 1 Cor. 16:1, 2; Acts 20:7, 13.
The Lord’s day is the Sabbath (seventh day). Mark 2:27; Isa. 58:13.
After the dedication of the new covenant, the Sabbath was observed by the disciples; and the first day is shut out as a usurper and forger. Luke 23:56; 24:1.
Not a single text has been cited saying the first day is a sacred, or holy, or special rest-day. Neither God, nor Christ, nor the apostles, nor the prophets ever rested on it. But “the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God.”

On seeing the terrible condition of the world without the law, (murder, blasphemy, adultery, bloodshed, and the like, and yet no sin, for where there is no law there is no transgression; John 3:4), Eld. C. felt constrained to admit that the substance of the ten commandments was of force in all dispensations, thus virtually surrendering the whole question. He appeared to be anxious not to put new wine into old bottles, or new cloth unto an old garment; yet after many times repeating that the ten commandments had become old, served their purpose, were ready to vanish away, and were utterly abolished, it seemed a little inconsistent to see him straighten them all out and patch his new Christianity on them.

A confession from a Sunday defender, that the testimony for the Lord’s day was rather scarce, may have sounded a little strange to a few in the congregation; but as Eld. C. never even referred to a text that mentions the first day after the first session, the people began to feel sure that it is a working day, as Bro. L. had shown them. The attendance was about the same after the debate as before.

G. H. Rogers.

OUT OF THE DEPTHS

O Lord, I am weary and broken, My life draweth nigh to the grave! Remember the word thou hast spoken, The penitent sinner to save. In darkness long time have I wandered, My feet to destruction made haste, And, like the poor prodigal, squandered My substance in riotous waste.

O God, that a soul thou hast given To revel ’mid pleasures divine, By Satan and sin should be driven To wallow and feed with the swine! O Grace, flowing full like a river, O Love, like a fount flowing free, O mighty One, strong to deliver, Wash, purify, strengthen, help me!

Too long have I lingered around it, The world’s Circe-goblet to sip; Like apples of Sodom have found it But ashes and dust on the lip. For ashes and dust shall I proffer To yield me to Satan’s control? World, hast thou no better to offer, To give in exchange for a soul?

O pleasure and riches and glory, Ye baits of the devil to man! Ye tell us the very same story Since the dawn of creation began. “Pluck, eat,” saith the tempter, “I receive not, A tyrant’s decree from on high! His threats or his promise believe not; Ye shall live, and shall not surely die.”

Dark spirit, thy subject no longer, For pardoning grace I have kneeled To a mightier far, and a stronger;— Jehovah’s my strength and my shield. In joy I will ask him to stay me, In sorrow, will bow ’neath his rod; And say, even though he should slay me, Like Thomas, “My Lord and my God.”

— Selected.

DANVERS, MASS.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

After an absence of nine weeks I returned to Danvers, April 26, and spent five days. Bro. Haskell was with me over Sabbath and Sunday, and Bro. Stone all the time. The weather was extremely unpleasant, indeed it rained all the time, so that our attendance was smaller than usual. Still a good share of the brethren were present, and Sunday evening our house was filled. Bro. Haskell instructed them in the tract work, and also on S. B. The brethren pledged on the house $488. Others not present will raise this sum above $500.

We had some excellent social meetings. In every one, all were prompt, and every moment was taken up. We baptized eleven, and fifteen united with the church. Wednesday evening we had our last meeting. The weather was fair, and we had a good turnout. After talking to them on various points, giving them the best advice I knew how to give, as I did not expect to see them again for a long time, we elected the proper officers of the church. Bro. Judson Rice was chosen elder, and Bro. Wm. H. Edwards, deacon. One brother embraced the Sabbath, and I baptized him. Many more are still friendly, for whom we hope.

Bro. Stone and Haines have just closed an interesting meeting at Ipswich, where quite a number have embraced the truth. We are now at South Lancaster, to dedicate their new meeting-house. We shall follow with a short course of lectures, if there is sufficient interest. D. M. CANRIGHT.

REYNOLDS, GA.

By C. O. Taylor

Since my last report, one more here has commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others are almost persuaded. We have hired a hall in the center of the village, where we hold our Sabbath meetings. Several new ones were in last Sabbath. I speak to the people once in three weeks on Sunday. The church members are quite strongly prejudiced against us on account of the Sabbath. We are in hopes some will be more favorable after they have examined it.

We have received a cheering letter from a young lady in Brooks county, who was fully convinced on the Sabbath when we were there last year, but did not commence to keep it then. She writes: “With the blessed hope of gaining Heaven, I am still trying to follow the way that Jesus has laid down in his word, ‘resting the seventh day.’” She also says that her father has left off the use of tobacco, which he had said he should never give up. He has embraced the Bible view of the nature of man, state of the dead, and inheritance of the saints, and was quite fully convinced on the Sabbath, but turned from it. God can bring him back.

To those requesting names and addresses for the SIGNS, I would say, I will send them as I get other names. I sent those I had to the first that called for them. I am grateful for the interest the friends are taking in the work South. The thousands of copies of the SIGNS, and the other reading matter sent South, are doing a silent work, of which but few, if any, are aware.

C. O. TAYLOR.

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