Review and Herald, Vol. 42, No. 20.
FORTY ANSWERS TO FORTY SO-CALLED OBJECTIONS AGAINST THE LAW AND SABBATHPage 1
Earlier text: The Voice in the TwilightThe Meeting at Osceola, Iowa.
By George I. Butler
This large and important meeting was held according to appointment. We were surprised to see so many of the people present from all sections of the State. Many came from one hundred to two hundred miles, and some even more. Not more than three or four of the camp-meetings that we have held the past season have been larger. It was indeed encouraging to see such an interest to attend a quarterly meeting. It was quite a contrast to the interest manifested in some of the States. I hardly know whether to call it a camp-meeting or something else. We had the large sixty-foot tent pitched a few steps back of our meeting-house in Osceola. The brethren brought quite a number of church tents with them and lived in them. Others rented rooms or houses, while others stayed with the brethren. When the weather was warm, we held meetings in the tent, for the meeting-house could hardly contain the people. One evening, when a little too cool for comfort, many could not get into the house. It has been surprising to us how fine the weather has been during the last three meetings held in this State and Illinois. We expected quite likely the cold would interfere greatly with our meetings, the season was so late. But in these three meetings, the weather has been better than during any of the Eastern camp-meetings. Thus the Lord has greatly favored us. It seemed very pleasant to meet with the old friends of the cause in Iowa, so dear from past associations. It was a blessed privilege to me. And there were very many who have come in since, who are young in the cause, and it was largely for their benefit that this meeting was appointed. Our meetings were solemn, and a good measure of the Spirit of the Lord was with us. Close, searching, practical preaching was the kind that seemed to be in demand, and most appreciated. Another main object of the meeting was the furtherance of the tract and missionary work. The reports showed a commendable increase in the efficiency of the society. Through the efforts of Bro. Haskell, the aims and working of the T. and M. work were quite fully elucidated, and the true spirit of sacrifice, which should characterize it, explained. Some seven or eight hundred dollars were pledged at the meeting on the missionary and tract fund, with the expectation that it would be increased to eleven or twelve hundred when set before the different districts by the directors. We feel an ardent interest that the tract and missionary work shall succeed in this State, as well as in any other, and we hope our brethren upon whom the responsibility rests will press the work forward with energy in all directions. This fall and winter is just the time to take hold in the circulation of tracts, and especially in procuring subscribers for the REVIEW, Reformer, and Instructor, on the liberal terms offered by the Association. Especially should the remarks of Bro. White in regard to the trial trip on REVIEW be remembered and acted upon. We must not forget to mention the presence of Eld. Varnum Hull, of our S. D. Baptist brethren, who came a long distance to meet with us. We formed a very pleasant acquaintance with him at the Milton Junction Camp-meeting in June. That was the first of our general meetings he has ever attended, and, as far as we could ascertain, it left a very pleasant impression upon his mind and heart. At any rate, our meeting again at Osceola was a cordial one. He mingled with us freely, and spoke with great emotion and interest in our meetings, and added to their interest by his timely remarks. We were all much struck with a remark which he told us was made by Eld. Maxon, a devoted S. D. Baptist, which Bro. H. said was made when he himself was a young man, to his Baptist brethren—that if they did not make God's holy Sabbath of more importance, and urge its claims more upon the public mind, God would raise up another people who would. And Bro. Hull told us this solemn declaration had been much before his mind since he had been at our meeting, and as he spoke, he manifested much emotion. Many eyes filled with tears. We trust God is doing a good work among our Baptist brethren, and that many of them are feeling the importance of making this great question of the obligation of God's law of more importance; even as we ourselves have need of doing. Bro. H. gave one discourse on the law question during our meeting, which was listened to with great interest by a densely packed house of people. We were much pleased with the interest and spirit manifested by Bro. Hull in our meetings, and by his ardent interest in the great Sabbath cause, and while we labor in different spheres of action in the same great reform, we trust our mutual interest in each other's welfare will increase. This meeting closes our camp-meeting season. Bro. Haskell and I part to go to different fields of labor. We have both enjoyed our labor together very much. Not a single jar or trouble has existed between us. I trust God will bless him as he goes on to labor in the T. and M. work. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Oct. 15, 1873. The History of the Sabbath.
By John Nevins Andrews
For months past I have written very little for the REVIEW. This has not been because I have not felt deep interest with respect to its prosperity, but because other urgent duties have taxed my time and strength to the utmost. I have been preparing a new edition of the History of the Sabbath; and I now stand so near the close of the work that for the first time I feel free to make some statement respecting it in the REVIEW. Though I have by no means given all my time to this work, for many other duties have been constantly devolving upon me, yet I can say that the amount of labor bestowed upon the preparation of this book has been very great. I have taken the utmost pains to get at the exact truth. How far I have succeeded, must be determined by others who shall trace my statements to the authorities which I have followed. As far as possible, I have sought information from the original authorities. I have given my references so distinctly that they can be fully traced. I do not claim that I have committed no errors, but I may with the strictest truth say that I have done the best in my power to avoid mistakes of every kind. It was my design to re-write the Biblical part of the Sabbath History, and I have bestowed much labour on this part of the work, especially upon the six days of creation. But I found that time would not admit of my carrying this to completion. I have therefore laid aside, for the present, what I have partially prepared for the first division of my work, and decided that with some small changes and additions that part should be simply reprinted. The history of the Sabbath since the time of Christ involves so many important subjects of inquiry that justice cannot be done to them all without much more time for such work than I have been able to command. I have done what I could, giving especial attention to those questions of deepest interest. I have completed and sent to the Office all but the last chapter of my work. This is so nearly finished that I trust to send it very shortly. I hope the work will be found of interest to the people of God, and of benefit to his cause. Marks of True and False Inspiration.
By R. F. Cottrell
SPEAKING of the celebrated Pagan oracle of Apollo at Delphos, Rollin says: “As soon as the divine vapor, like a penetrating fire, had diffused itself through the entrails of the priestess, her hair stood upright upon her head, her looks grew wild and furious, she foamed at the mouth, a sudden and violent trembling seized her whole body, with all the symptoms of distraction and frenzy.” To this the following note is appended:— “Among the various marks which God has given in the Scriptures to distinguish his oracle from those of the devil, the fury of madness attributed by Virgil to the Pythia, et rabie fera corda tument, is one. It is I, says God, that show the falsehood of the diviner’s predictions, and give to such as divine the motions of fury and madness; or, according to Isa. 44:25, that frustrateth the tokens of the liar, and maketh diviners mad. Instead of which the prophets of the true God constantly gave the divine answers in an equal and calm tone of voice, and with a noble tranquility of behavior. Another distinguishing mark is, the demons giving their oracles in secret places, by-ways, and in the obscurity of caves; whereas, God gave his in open day, and before all the world. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth. Isa. 45:19. I have not spoken in secret from the beginning. Isa. 48:16. So that God did not permit the devil to imitate his oracles without imposing such conditions upon him as might distinguish between the true and false inspiration.” How striking the resemblance between the ancient heathen oracles and modern spirit manifestations! A room from which the light of day is excluded is the chosen place of communication. And the mediums exhibit violent tremblings and distortions and symptoms of frenzy; and this has been known to result in the death of the medium; as was the case sometimes with the Pythia or prophetess of the oracle of Apollo, according to Lucan, as quoted by Rollin. Sitting Under His Shadow with Great Delight
The Rev. Mr. Young was one stormy day visiting one of his people, an old man who lived in great poverty in a lonely cottage. He found him sitting with the Bible open on his knees, but in outward circumstances of great discomfort, the snow drifting through the roof and under the door, and scarcely any fire on the hearth. “What are you about to-day, John?” was Mr. Young’s question on entering. “Ah! sir,” said the happy saint, “I’m sitting under His shadow with great delight!” The Cause Among the French, Scotch, and Americans, in Brown Co., Wis.
By D. T. Bourdeau
I HAVE now been laboring in this county three weeks and a half; have spoken fifteen times in French, seventeen times in English, and traveled on foot from twenty to thirty miles a week. I have had three objects in view in making this, my first direct experiment for those of my tongue: first, to raise up the young believers on those points of advance which are regarded as essential to the prosperity of the cause among our American brethren; secondly, to see what could be done at present to push the work still farther among the French; and, thirdly, to enlist, if possible, the influence of some in a small neighborhood of Scotch and Americans, in favor of the truth and cause among the French. And I am thankful for being able to report some progress in these three directions. The brethren generally receive the truth with eagerness, receive the health reform, as far as I am prepared to present it without the assistance of Mrs. Bourdeau, and manifest a spirit of sacrifice in point of means and other efforts to help advance the truth, that I have not seen excelled, if equaled, among our American people. Yesterday, twelve of our Belgian brethren came together, to see what they could do on Systematic Benevolence. They were all poor or in very moderate circumstances; seven of them were women, one was a widow, and one (a brother) was sick with lung complaint. I must confess that I never took up the subject with more delicacy; but, to my astonishment, $60 were pledged in less than five minutes; and the whole amount was voted to the Wisconsin Conference Fund; “for,” said the brethren, “we want to unite with our American brethren in the work.” This spirit of union and true sacrifice starts my tears while I write, and I think it would start the tears of others in pleasant circumstances, if they were permitted to see the destitution of these families in home comforts, etc. A church of twelve members was organized. On account of prejudice, lack of interest in religious things, and, perhaps, partly because of a disgraceful occurrence between two who professed to keep the Sabbath, our advance on new ground among the French has been slow. But we find a few who are interested; and to-day, with the aid of French notices which we have had printed at our Office, we commence a more thorough effort to see what can be done for the French at this point. But I am aware that the work will require a long, steady pull; and that under certain circumstances the work may have to be postponed at some points until certain influences have worn away. We are gaining the confidence and affections of the Americans, and take up the Sabbath question to-morrow evening. I am satisfied that in many efforts that are made in new fields, the Sabbath question and other subjects are introduced too soon. More than half of my discourses have been on practical religion in harmony with the coming of the Lord and a preparation to meet it. The neighborhood is small, and we cannot expect great results. But I should feel that the effort was not in vain if none received the truth at present, as the Lord has approved the effort by his Spirit. I am sure that the people would have closed their ears against us if we had urged our peculiar views upon them too soon. It is difficult to convince some of our French brethren that they are not neglected in not having works in their own tongue. To illustrate: Sister Capman, of whom I spoke in my last report, has come about one hundred miles, with her youngest son, aged thirteen years, to hear French preaching for the first time. All she had had for her instruction for thirteen years was her Bible and two French tracts which were published sixteen years ago, when our facilities and experience were very limited. She and her son walked fourteen miles, last Friday, to be at our meeting. She was perishing for want of knowledge. Without my suggestions, her little son offers his services to help set French type after receiving some instruction. Sr. C. reports that two Catholics have received the truth through her efforts in connection with the two French tracts she had. Yes, we need French works, and I earnestly desire that Bro. White’s plan to carry on this branch of the work on a large scale, as though we meant to do something, be carried out without delay. All I wish is, to know the place the Lord would have me fill, and I will humbly fill it. We are in perishing need of one or two small works to serve as stepping-stones between Catholics and Protestants; for I believe that many Catholics in this country, who are partly dissolved from the influence of Romanism, will yet embrace the truth. All our French brethren in this section were Catholics a few years since; and why may not others situated as they were be led to rejoice in the truth that they love? But where are the tracts for our judicious brethren who have the cause at heart and might greatly help as colporteurs to hand out? How can we meet those who, when hearing on interesting and important questions, ask us, “Have you tracts on this subject?” We have doubtless been too anxious for this branch of the work, but what part shall we act? What shall be done with translations of Bro. White’s work on the 24th of Matthew, “Which Day do you Keep? and Why?” etc., by my brother and others? Eight were baptized yesterday; but our way was greatly obstructed. The wind was so high that we could not baptize at Green Bay, two miles from this place. We then decided to baptize in a brook near by, but were refused the privilege. The people had gathered together from various points, and we were obliged to go nearly two miles farther, the candidates and most of the people following us on foot. This circumstance has given us the sympathy of many. Truly God does strengthen, and he will have all the praise. Wequiock, Brown Co., Wis., Oct. 6, 1873. Labor in Northern Michigan.
By R. J. Lawrence
At the earnest request of Bro. Corliss to accompany him to his former field of labor, I met him and Bro. Trim at Owasso, who took me to his house near Fremont, Shiawassee Co., on Wednesday, September 17. We were here six days. Held nine meetings, with good freedom; visited several families, and went to the Shiawassee river, where two willing converts were baptized. In the evening, met again, and after explanation had been given of a gospel church and gospel order, and the qualifications and duties of officers, a church of six was organized. Bro. Trim was chosen elder, and Bro. Olmstead, clerk. There are several more here who are much interested, and we hope will soon take their stand with God’s people. A bad influence has been left here by one who has labored here. We hope it may not prove fatal to any. We came from Fremont to Williams, Bay Co., September 24. There was a small church of six members raised up here, a few years since, but they had got into difficulty, and were so divided that for a time they had held no meetings. Bro. Corliss came in here and commenced meetings. Soon their difficulties were removed and union restored. Others became interested, so that now there are sixteen members. We held, in all, seven meetings, three in Williams, three in Kawkawlin—five miles north-east, and one in Jay. Afterward, six were baptized in the Tittabawassee river, witnessed by a large audience. Thursday, October 1, we came to Vernon, Isabella Co., and held a meeting in the evening. Friday, Bro. Finissy brought us to Grant, Clair Co. Here some twenty had commenced to keep the Sabbath under Bro. Corliss’ labors, but, on account of the straightness of the way and opposition of friends, many of them have given up. We held here five meetings; went to Beaver Creek, two miles distant, dammed up the stream, and six were baptized. We then returned to the school-house, where a church of six was organized, and Bro. Green was chosen elder. Some, who were much opposed when the lectures were given, are becoming friendly, and are inquiring after the truth. Oh! may their prejudices all give way so that the light can shine into their hearts in all of its beauty, and cause them to obey. Monday, the 6th of October, we returned to Vernon, and held a meeting in the evening. The seventh, we came to Clair, where I took the train for this place, and Bro. and sister Corliss for Grand Traverse. May the Lord be with them and prosper their labors, is my prayer. Arcadia, Wisconsin.
By O. A. Olson
My last report closed with May 15. I was then in company with Bro. J. C. Nelson, at Hixton. We held meetings there Sabbath and Sunday. The following week went to Arcadia and commenced meetings in a Norwegian settlement; continued here until June 16. These people are all Lutherans, and nearly all belong to the church. They had never heard of present truth; only a very few had seen some of our tracts. From the first, they manifested an interest to hear. And when we left them, there were quite a number in favor of these things, and some intended to obey. We left them to attend our camp-meeting. It was then thought best to return, which we did, and commenced meetings again, July 5, and continued five weeks, the interest still holding good. But now the opposition commenced very strong and active, and for a time, we feared the result. In general, the people are much attached to the priest. But, with the honest truth-seekers, the opposition tended to expose error and establish truth, and a few began to decide in its favor. I was then taken sick and unable to labor. I returned home. After improving some in health, I moved my family to Fort Howard, Brown Co., this State, where we are now located. After making some preparations about home, returned to this place Sept. 25. Those that had started, we found growing stronger, and others taking hold with them. There are now eight, I believe, trying to keep the Sabbath, and others favorable. But they have much to learn. It is astonishing to see people grow up in a Christian (?) denomination from childhood to gray hairs never seeing or hearing prayer, except such as is performed by the priest standing in the pulpit. But there are honest souls that are desirous to learn the way of God and walk in it. I feel that a great deal of wisdom and grace from God is needed in this work. I desire to be humble and seek the Lord with an earnest purpose, that I may be led and instructed by his Spirit in the ways of wisdom and truth. P. S. THURSTON
By P. S. Thurston
According to appointment, I commenced meetings in Burn’s Valley, Lacross Co., Sept. 16, 1873. I found the brethren and sisters in this vicinity very much discouraged. They did not believe anything could be accomplished here; but I thought differently. They had given up their Sabbath meetings, and things looked very discouraging. I remained here thirteen days; held eighteen meetings—fifteen preaching and three prayer meetings. The Lord met with us, and blessed the word spoken. The brethren and sisters were revived spiritually, and encouraged to renew their covenant vows, and to put forth greater efforts to be overcomers and to labor for the spread of present truth. We organized a church in this place. Bro. Milo Downer was elected elder; Bro. M. E. Lamphere was chosen deacon; sister Jane A. Wood, treasurer, and sister I. A. Lamphere, secretary. Systematic Benevolence was arranged; amount pledged for the year was thirty-six dollars and forty-four cents. We believe additions will be made to this church soon. May the Lord bless these dear ones, and help them to be faithful and live out the truth. We also organized a tract and missionary society. Eight dollars were received for159 membership, and sent to Wm. Kerr, Conference Treasurer, with an order to be forwarded to the Publishing Office, to pay for tracts and pamphlets for this district, No. 6. Modena, Buffalo Co., Wis., Oct. 2, 1873. “I will lead them in paths that they have not known.” Isa. 42:16. FATHER, the way is dark; I cannot see
The narrow path that leadeth up to thee;
I shudder, and my heart is filled with dread;
Is this the path that thou would’st have me tread? CHILD, though thy path may seem so dark and drear,
My presence shall that pathway ever cheer:
The night shall turn to day; the shadows flee;
It is the path that I marked out for thee. FATHER, the way is rough; ’tis covered o’er
With thorns and briars, and my feet are sore;
I stumble o’er the rocks on either hand;
How shall I ever reach the better land? I know the way is rough; that rocks abound;
That thorns and briars in that path are found;
But cling thou closely, firmly, to my hand,
I’ll bring thee safely to the promised land. FATHER, the way is long; I’m weary, too;
Is not my tedious journey almost through?
Have I much longer here on earth to roam?
Am I not nearing now my heavenly home? Yes, weary one, thy journey’s almost o’er,
Thy feet have almost reached the other shore;
Soon shalt thou rest; see yonder’s Heav’n’s high dome;
Soon shalt thou enter in that heavenly home. Then, pilgrim, still press on; still follow me,
Though dark and rough thy path may seem to thee;
I’ll guard and guide thee, ever by my hand,
And bring thee safely to the promised land. South Missouri Tent.
By T. J. Butler
This tent was taken down yesterday, and will not be pitched again the present season. The last meeting was held at Nevada City, for three weeks. The nights were generally uncomfortably cool, which prevented as good an attendance as was desired, and which made it necessary also to close sooner than we otherwise should. At this place, some ten are now rejoicing in the truth. May the Lord shield them as the apple of his eye and grant them grace and strength to persevere to the close. As the result of the labors under this tent, some eighty have embraced present truth; to whom we would say, So run that ye may obtain. Ye are not crowned except ye strive lawfully. The only way to build on the Rock is to hear Christ’s sayings, and do them. T. J. Butler. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y.
By C. O. Taylor
I first visited the town of Russell, St. Lawrence Co., about the 15th of last March. Held meetings in the southern part, and in an adjoining district known as Silver Hill. There were three sisters keeping the Sabbath, living about eight miles apart. One of them had kept it nineteen years; the other two, about one. I held meetings in the two neighborhoods each alternate three evenings, for four weeks, and left on account of sickness. At that time, three or four more had decided to obey God, and keep all his commandments. They appointed meetings on the Sabbath at a private house. On returning to them in three weeks, I found twelve or fourteen keeping the Sabbath, holding their Sabbath meeting at the school-house, with a Bible-class and Sabbath-school, all moving on in good order. Ten have received the ordinance of baptism, and united in church fellowship. We are expecting that others will come and do likewise. During the meetings, and since, they have had opposition from ministers and people; but none of these things move them. They have only to press together, and walk in the truth they have received and will receive from time to time, as it will shine out from the message, to be a strong people in the Lord. This church with all of the churches, and all of our people, must remember that in “union is strength,” and that the love of God in the heart will bear, believe, hope, and endure, all things. I have been speaking the truth to the people of South Colton for little over a week. It has the name of a “hard place,” yet as the sound goes out, some become interested, and we look for a small gathering, though they may be scattered. God’s truth will certainly find a response in the hearts of his people. C. O. TAYLOR. Oct. 9, 1873. Indiana State T. & M. Society.
By Wm. Covert; J. M. Rees
THIS meeting was held in connection with the camp meeting at Rails' Grove, Sept. 21, 1873. Meeting was opened with prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell. The reports showed that this Society had distributed about 50,000 pages of reading matter, but it did not carry out the system of reporting missionary labor as is done in other Conferences; consequently, no systematic report was given of the workings of this Society. This matter was explained by the President, after which, Bro. Haskell explained the manner of conducting the Society. The matter being left for further consideration, the President appointed Brn. Lane, Jones, and Sharp, as a committee to nominate officers for the ensuing year. Sept. 22. Remarks from Brn. Haskell and Butler in regard to the importance of systematic labor in the workings of the Society, and an earnest, zealous pushing forward in the work. The brethren then proceeded to raise money to meet the wants of the Society; $167 were pledged, and $67 of it paid. On motion, it was voted to raise this fund to two hundred dollars as a capital stock to be used in the interest of the Tract and Missionary work in this Conference. The following report of Committee on Nominations was read and accepted, and nominations ratified by vote of the Society:— For President, Wm. Covert; Vice President, Charles Seaward; Secretary, J. M. Rees; Treasurer, George White. Directors: Dist. No. 1, James Harvey; No. 2, Wm. Covert; No. 3, George Shortridge; No. 4, Noah Carabouf. Brown Co., Wis.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
Two more were baptized last Sabbath, and joined the church. These were young Sabbath-keepers. A week ago last Sunday, the Catholic priest told his people that those of them who should attend my meetings would be excommunicated, and I had but one Catholic out to hear me last week. The one who forbade our baptizing on her premises had just returned from hearing the priest, and she insisted that the large amount of rain we had had of late was owing to my coming to the place. All the influence I can command with French hand bills, etc., will not induce the people to come out to hear. The consistent course of the church will have to be brought into requisition to remove prejudice, caused largely by sad occurrences which would have been averted could I have come to the place last spring. But thank God for what has been done. Our brethren here can take courage. We organized a Bible-class and Sabbath-school last Sabbath. It was rather awkward to start these without books, but, fortunately, one of the brethren can read English some. I shall now have to turn my attention to other points. Pray that God may lead. D. T. BOURDEAU. Wequiock, Brown Co., Wis. Darkness for Light.
By E. G. Rust
Learning that the Rev. A. J. Frost of the University Place Baptist church, on Douglas Place, had prepared a sermon on the Sabbath for the benefit of a Sr. Steinhauer, whom they had recently received into the church, but whose faith they could not shake on the Sabbath and other points, a few of us repaired to that place of worship on Sunday morning, Oct. 5, well supplied with tracts on the Sabbath question. He handled the subject very ably and craftily, often placing darkness for light. Among the points he made was the assertion that there was no positive command even for the seventh day, as, unlike the rest of the commands, it commenced with “Remember the Sabbath day,” referring to it as an existing institution. We ought not, therefore, to demand a positive command for the first day, inasmuch as we have the example set us of resting on that day, as well as the teaching of the Saviour and apostles. Again, there were certain reasons why the Jews should keep the seventh day, because they were brought out of bondage, &c. Again, as the Sabbath was made for man, and consequently man was greater than the Sabbath, therefore the Sabbath is flexible, and if more reasons exist for its change than its observance, man should have the advantage of the change. He was well posted, having resided, I think, in a Seventh-day Baptist community for a time. He had a large and deeply interested audience. At the close of the sermon I arose and made a few remarks, stating that I was deeply interested in the dissemination of the truth upon this important subject, and had some tracts, one a sermon on the Sabbath by Eld. Littlejohn, and another entitled “Who changed the Sabbath?” which we would like to distribute if there was no objection. He very graciously bowed assent, and we placed them in the hands of nearly the entire congregation, who generally received them very pleasantly. I learn that his congregation have the reputation of being one of the most devoted and sincere in the city. May the dear Lord help some of them to come to the light and walk in it. I also learned that two professors in the University, one of Greek and the other of Hebrew, were both writing on the subject of the Sabbath, and had said they were going to visit her and convince her of her error. May the Lord use her as an instrument for confounding these great men, and opening their eyes to the truth.