“THE CHALLENGE: SUNDAY, NOT SATURDAY, IS SABBATH TIME.”
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Such is the heading of a pamphlet lately issued at Skowhegan, Maine, written by E. B. Fletcher, a Methodist minister. He opens his argument as is usual with those who oppose the law of God, by denouncing Sabbath-keeping as “a bad influence,” “the Sabbatarian notion,” “the whirlpool of annihilation religion,” “a bad doctrine,” a “demoralizing influence,” “a religion that rejects the essentials of Christianity,” &c. This will illustrate the spirit of the author. But when did this seventh-day Sabbath doctrine originate? Surely the Devil must have originated a doctrine that is worthy of the above epithets. But no; the great God was the author of the seventh-day Sabbath! Can men learn God who thus revile his institutions? Mr. F. next proceeds to state that last year he met me at both New Vineyard, and Athens, Maine, and that he made great efforts to induce me to discuss the Sabbath question with him, but that I refused any proposition that would really touch the question; and that thus he really gained a complete victory, and proved that I could not defend the seventh-day Sabbath. But that is a gross misrepresentation all through. He had drawn up his question, his rules, fixed his time of speaking, &c., all of which I must accept without any alteration, or back down! To offset his one proposition, I offered him his choice of nine; or he might speak an evening, and I would reply, or vice versa; or we would choose three men to draw up a question for us, &c., &c. But no; I must come to all his fixed terms, or back down! So much for his challenges.
As to his argument, it is so weak, and utterly void of any proof, that it seems strange that any candid, intelligent person should endorse it; yet it came forth highly recommended by three reverends! A few words of passing notice is all I deem it worthy of. He says, “We do not violate the Sabbath law, Ex. xx, 8–11, by keeping the seventh-day Sabbath on the time called the first day of the week.” Keep the seventh day on the first day! So well might we talk of keeping the fourth day of July on the tenth day of July. This is not only an absurdity but an impossibility. But how does he try to sustain this position? Why, all that the law requires is one day of rest after six of work. Says he, “This is our Sabbath, certainly.” Very true; it is his Sabbath; but the commandment says nothing about our Sabbath, nor your Sabbath. It is the Lord’s Sabbath-day that the law requires us to keep. Sabbath means rest, Sabbath-day, rest-day, and the Sabbath-day of the Lord, the rest-day of the Lord. Now the Lord’s rest, or Sabbath-day, must come on the day of the week on which the Lord rested. No other day can be his rest-day, any more than a day on which I was not born can be my birthday. Hence his talk about our Sabbath, a Sabbath, &c., is all lost. The law says nothing about any such Sabbath. It requires us to keep God’s Sabbath-day, which is the seventh day of the week and no other. Here is a specimen of his bold assertions without any proof: “The Sabbath succession was certainly interrupted whilst the Jews were slaves in Egypt, and, quite likely, when they were captives in Babylon. Nor is there a word said of their re-commencing the Sabbath on any previous succession. So far from this, the Bible is particular to inform us that when the Jews escaped from slavery they began their Sabbath week on the day the manna began; and kept each seventh day from the commencement of the “bread from Heaven.” Where did he learn all this? Not in the Bible, for it says no such thing.
Again he says, “There is plenty of evidence that our Sabbath time is one day later than that of the Jews in the time of Christ.” Well, then this is just the place to bring forward that evidence; and of course he will do it. So here it is: “As the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath, and the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath, and Christ rose from the dead on the first day, it is generally supposed that he changed the Sabbath time to adapt it more fully to this last dispensation; more especially called his. This may have been. Or the apostles might have changed its time, by divine direction.” “The probability is, that the Sabbath time, for the gospel dispensation, became fully established by the events which occurred on the first day of the week.” Here is the evidence, of which he had so large a supply, showing the change of the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day of the week! How plain it is! What an abundance of Bible testimony! Who will doubt after this? “It is generally supposed,” “it may have been,” “it might have been,” “the probability is,” &c., &c. From what follows, it appears that he considers these reasons even more decisive than any divine inspiration on the point;—better than a “Thus saith the Lord.” He continues: “It would appear that no divine inspiration would be necessary to make known a duty so clearly indicated by the facts in the case!”
This is a virtual admission that there is no divine inspiration for the change, and hence it is not of God. By this mode of proving a doctrine, we might dispense with all inspiration, and reason out our doctrines without any revelation from God. The Bible in his case is not only useless, but is really in the way, to be explained away. By this way of proving a doctrine, we might establish all the abominable doctrines of the mother of harlots. He does not even pretend to offer one text of scripture showing that the Sabbath was changed, yet he has plenty of evidence to prove it. Where is that evidence? Of course he has given the best he had, and the reader has seen what it is.
But he has much to say about keeping the Sabbath on an unbroken succession of weeks. He asserts that it cannot be proved that the Sabbath law requires this. Any day in seven will do that the church may select. This is simply the old threadbare argument of one-seventh part of time. This is the burden of his book. Convenience and expediency and what the majority of people do, has great weight with him in deciding which day to keep. The “interruption of business affairs” troubles him much. So he concludes it is not necessary to keep the seventh day. This is making business and the affairs of this world of more importance than the service of God. The world first, God second, is the real spirit of the whole argument. A good answer to all of this is found in the language of Christ: “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.” Luke xiv, 26, 33. We prefer to be of that little flock who fear God and tremble at his word, even though it should be inconvenient to do it.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
April 1.
H. C. MILLER
By H. C. Miller
From Bro. Miller.
Since my return to Battle Creek, I have read the testimony which the Lord has seen fit in mercy to send unto me. Great has been the mercy of God to me, and great his forbearance toward me. I wonder that I have not been stopped in the course I have been going in my blindness, and unwise zeal, by the hand of God removing me from before his face. In the light of that testimony my past life becomes in my sight, only a sad mistake; sinful before God, and injurious to his cause, his people, and to myself. Yet there is with the reproof a ground for hope, and I feel to rejoice that while he points out the wrong, he has shown a way to escape, and by his grace assisting me, I will try at once to commence undoing, as far as in my power, the wrong work I have done, that I may have his forgiveness, and his blessing once more bestowed upon me, and may stand again in the favor of God, and in full communion and fellowship with his people, against whom I now see I have done much evil. May I have the forgiveness of those whom I have hurt by my wrong course. I feel sad while I understand that I have been the obstacle, and the only obstacle, in the way of the conversion of those who are near to me by natural ties; and sorrow to think I have so acted that my own request for their conversion could not be granted. My efforts shall now be directed to removing the stumbling-blocks. In the work I now try to enter upon, I ask those who are standing in the light, to assist me by their prayers and counsels, and I will try to gain a teachable spirit. May God help me to turn at once, and turn right.
Concerning an article I wrote which was published in the REVIEW some time last June, I think, entitled, “Paul’s advice to Timothy,” I wish to say a few words. In answer to a letter of inquiry which I wrote to Bro. W., he kindly wrote a reply through the REVIEW. Instead of feeling thankful for the advice given, and trying to look at it with a teachable spirit, I seized upon a portion of the position taken, and allowed my combative spirit to become aroused again, as I often had before at the same thing, and allowed my mind to dwell upon it until I thought of hardly anything else. I thought I was right. I became possessed with the idea that I ought to write upon the subject, and set right those who were wrong upon the point. I searched books in my zeal to get together evidence to sustain my point, when I ought to have sought counsel of God, and light, and a humble and teachable mind. I turned to weak man, and counseled with those who were not in position to give good counsel, and at last wrote the above named article. I firmly believed it was right. Now though there seems to be two spirits struggling for the mastery in my mind, I cannot help feeling that the positions therein taken are wrong, and extreme. That though they may be according to the views of certain men, they do not harmonize with the light that has been given from Heaven. I wish to stand where the Lord directs, where his light shines. I ask Bro. White’s forgiveness for my disrespectful reception of his advice so freely and kindly given. I will try hereafter to receive the counsel of those who have so much more wisdom than I have, in a humble manner, and will try to possess a teachable mind. And may all to whom this shall come, who have been in the least affected by what was set forth in the said article, consider it again in the light of this confession, that it was conceived in a wrong spirit, and is therefore wrong, and a hindrance to the work of the Lord.
My effort, with the help of the Lord, shall hereafter be put forth as a learner, and not as a teacher. May the Lord grant me wisdom and strength to so labor to undo what I have done, that I may soon receive the forgiveness of God, and have that blessedness which the psalmist says he has “whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”
H. C. MILLER
Battle Creek, March, 1869.
Confession and Repentance
By J. A. Griggs
From Br. Griggs.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: As I look back upon my life and see my wayward course, my heart is filled with sorrow. I behold pride, selfishness, vanity, and forgetfulness and neglect of Him who has bought me with his precious blood. Time, given to secure a better and an enduring substance, has been trifled away, and lost forever. How have I been deceived and blinded as to my true condition before God. I am grateful that I have been led to see, in a measure, my errors. I desire to confess and sincerely and heartily repent of every sin, correct, as far as possible, my wrong influence, that my name may be written in the book of life. I am thankful for correction, instruction, and reproof. In darkness and almost despair I have realized it to be no light thing to sin against God. But I trust my humiliation, confessions, and tears, have been regarded and accepted in Heaven through the intercessions of the sinless One. And I mean, with heavenly assistance, that my future life shall evince that I am following on to know the Lord. “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exerciseth lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth.” O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. O Lord, correct me, but with judgment; not in thine anger, lest thou bring me to nothing.”
J. A. GRIGGS.
Owasso, Mich., April 3, 1869.
Preaching Usefully
By Hinton
I OBSERVE in my mind a sinful anxiety to preach well, rather than a holy anxiety to preach usefully.
—Hinton.
Meetings in Wisconsin.
By I. Sanborn
My meetings at Sand Prairie, which have lasted eight weeks, closed yesterday. The following is the result as far as known: Fifteen have commenced keeping the Sabbath. Eight were baptized, and ten were received into the church; also many others are deeply interested, yet we could not persuade them to act now. We trust they will soon. Much prejudicial opposition has been silenced. An interesting Bible Class and Sabbath School has been organized. The church feels clothed with new strength and courage to battle on for “life, life, eternal life.” May the Lord help them to let their light now shine, so that their convicted neighbors may be constrained to keep God’s commandments and obey the gospel, and be saved when Jesus comes.
To the friends at Sugar Grove I wish to say, Be patient, and I will come just as soon as the Lord will open the way.
I. SANBORN.
Sand Prairie, March 29, 1869.
Meetings in Michigan.
By Joseph Bates
In accordance with appointments, we met with the church in Jackson at their Monthly Meeting, March 6. Notwithstanding the intense cold weather, there were a goodly number present, some coming with teams from nine to twelve miles. The meeting was encouraging and a lively interest was manifest, especially while celebrating the ordinances of the Lord’s house.
March 7 and 8 were spent visiting and laboring with the scattered families, the 9th and 10th with the brethren in Parma. The 12th to 14th, held five meetings and celebrated the ordinances with the church in Burlington. Bro. Gage was with us, and preached in the P.M. From B.; Bro. Rich brought us to Newton, where we had praying seasons with several families. Sabbath, the 20th, we enjoyed a good meeting with the church in Monterey.
JOSEPH BATES.
Monterey, March 29, 1869.
Our Annual Meetings.
By General Conference Committee
PROPOSED CHANGE OF TIME.
It has been suggested that a general Camp-meeting be held in connection with the annual sessions of the General Conference, the Michigan Conference, Publishing Association and Health Institute. In this case the time would be changed to the first of June.
It is probable that our next annual meetings will be held in connection with a general Camp-meeting in or near Battle Creek, June 1-10. Efforts will be made to secure a very general attendance, and to make it a season of interest and blessing to the cause. Particulars next week. GEN. CONF. COM.
Bro. Ingraham
BRO. INGRAHAM writes from Shelbyville, Minn.: “Twelve have come out in the truth under my labors in this place, and still there is a good interest, and others are coming out.”
Experience and Views Reference
By J. H. ROGERS
J. H. ROGERS. The “Experience and Views” referred to in the Answers to Objections against the Visions, is the first sketch, of 64 pp., published in Saratoga Springs, N. Y. in 1851. In that work you will find the quotations as given.
Correction
CORRECTION.—In the last week's paper, middle column of page 115, near the top of the column, the word “something” is used instead of the word sanctuary, thereby destroying the sense. It should read thus: “The sanctuary of the new covenant, must be the sanctuary to which the prophecies relating to the times of the new covenant apply.”
The Word of the Lord Cards
A. O. THOMPSON: We have none of the cards called “Word of the Lord.” If you have opportunity to send the chart you mention, we should be glad to see it. Could not decide till then whether to make any use of it or not.
To Those Who Contemplate Visiting The Institute.
By John Nevins Andrews
OUR friends who purpose to come to the Institute for treatment, should not delay to do this till they are exhausted by disease. A delay of a week is oft times, in their cases, a very serious matter. When nature is completely exhausted, what chance is there for recovery?
Many persons resort to everything within their reach before coming to the Institute. So they waste their time and strength and health till little of these remains, and when thus reduced, their last resort is the Health Institute. This is extremely unwise. If you purpose to come to the Institute for treatment come at once. Do not wait till you are completely exhausted. Come while there is some chance for good.
J. N. A.
Note from Bro Steward.
By T. M. Steward
I AM still on the field of battle, and engaged in close contest with the enemy. Our Captain is a glorious one, and the cause is advancing, while the enemy is confused. Some twelve or fifteen have embraced the Sabbath, and others I trust will soon. Many are reading and investigating. May the Lord help them. Yours in hope.
T. M. STEWARD,
A Sad Picture.
By G. W. Davis
BRO SMITH: I attended a Methodist meeting the other day in which the preacher stated that the world must be converted, and then to show why it was not done speedily, he presented the fallen state of the church, and said that the churches in the United States used two hundred million dollars worth of tea, coffee and tobacco, and six hundred million dollars worth of intoxicating drinks per annum. G. W. DAVIS.
Gratiot Co., Mich.
Note from Bro. Cornell.
By Merritt E. Cornell
I HAVE just finished a short course of eighteen lectures at State Center, Iowa. The interest was very good, considering the circumstances. It is a new and enterprising railroad town, and the minds of the people are almost wholly absorbed in business. Toward the last the interest was good, but the only rooms in the place used for meetings were to undergo repairs, and we had to close.
The people are of the intelligent and investigative class, and they took books freely, and eight subscribed for the REVIEW. When we called a vote on the Sabbath question, over fifty voted for it, but not one hand was raised for Sunday-keeping. Several have already decided to keep the Sabbath.
We received substantial tokens of the general appreciation of our labors there, and shall remember these numerous friends, and pray that each and all may obey the truth, and be saved at last.
I now return to Tallyrand and Paris, where I expect to meet Bro. Butler, and help in finishing up the work in that section preparatory to returning once more to our home in Battle Creek. M. E. CORNELL.
Milton Junction, Iowa, March 31.
“Thou Shalt Not Steal.”
By W. H. Ball
In looking over the appointments in the World's Crisis, and Voice of the West, I notice several instances where the term Sabbath is applied to the first day of the week. I regard this as a violation of the eighth commandment, which says, “Thou shalt not steal.” It is not enough for first-day Adventists to trample under foot the fourth commandment, but they must steal the title which God placed upon his holy, sanctified rest-day, the seventh, and apply it to the first day of the week, a day the Bible nowhere calls a Sabbath.
It is bad enough for men to steal from their fellow men; but to steal from the great God seems to be the hight of wickedness. If men wish to keep the first instead of the seventh day, the day on which God rested, which he blessed, sanctified, and called “the Sabbath,” “my Sabbath,” “my holy day,” etc., they can do so. But I do protest against their calling it the Sabbath. God recognizes but one day in seven as the Sabbath, and that is the seventh day of the week and no other.
If others choose to keep the first day because it is more convenient, or congenial to their own feelings, let them call it by its own name, “first-day of the week,” or Sunday. Some of our no-law friends have shown a degree of honesty in this respect. Others show their dishonesty, or inconsistency, in calling it the Sabbath. Let us call things by their right names.
W. H. BALL.
Washington, N. H.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
PROVIDENCE permitting I will meet with the churches of Windsor, Oneida and Charlotte, at the Potter school-house, April 24 and 25, 1869.
JOHN BYINGTON.
PROVIDENCE permitting, we will meet with the church at Orleans, Mich., Sabbath, April 24. A very general attendance of the brethren in that part of the State is requested.
JAMES WHITE,
ELLEN G. WHITE.
BUSINESS AND PERSONAL.
A limited space will be given under this head for Business Notices from the brethren, at 20 cents per line for each insertion. Parties must give good reference as to their standing and responsibility.
WANTED.—A situation, by a young man, a S. D. A. Employment on a farm, and by a Sabbath-keeper, desired. Ohio preferred. Address. A. FOSTER.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money received pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. M Kittle 33-1, M J Davis 35-1, I B Palmer 35-1, W B Davis 33-1, J Chase 34-20, G W States 33-8, W G Watson 34-7, G W Davis 34-11, Jesse Caviness 34-15, M Buchanan 33-18, M Harris 35-15, F N Bartholomew 34-1, E Elmer 34-1, A Kitch 34-15, H Kitch 33-15, Mary Sadler 35-15, J F Thompson 34-1, R R Cogswell 34-1.
$2.00 each. J Helligas 35-7, G J Sharp 35-15, Z Brooks 35-17, R K McCune 35-1, M C Holliday 35-14, M A Crary 35-11, Mrs E Slocum 35-1, D Warren 34-1, W H Westfall 33-1, J H Cook 35-1, Abel Wood Jr 35-3, J Twellinger 34-14, N Auten 35-1, S Zinn 34-9, T Lindsey 35-14, L Pancost 35-13, W N Brown 34-14, C D Cook 34-19, B G Warren 35-15, Maria Carter 35-1, H Heistand 34-15, J H Green 35-1, H Preston 35-3, W H Edson 34-1, S G Davis 35-14, E J Patterson 36-1, E Muntz 35-1, C Flemming 34-1, P Northup 34-14, T Godfreyson 35-17, Ann Jenson 35-13, H G Washburn 35-1, Eliza Bliss 35-15, C Rowell 35-1, W Vanard 36-1, Mrs O Hastings 36-1, J K Rogers 35-14, W Langdon 35-15, A Bonney 35-1, G C Clark 35-15, P A Rockwell 35-15, S B Loudon 35-1, H Gardner 35-1, D Pogs 35-1, N Hoyt 35-8, P A Roberts 35-12, F Prosler 35-15, C E Pratt 35-15, D Latrop 35-15, E Braman 35-15, D Morvin 35-2, J Hall 34-4.
$3.00 each. D Stiles 36-1, Geo I Butler 36-9, Eunice Bush 35-14.
Miscellaneous. Mrs E Young $1.50 35-14, Mrs L C Washburn 3.25 33-15, J A Hatch 3.50 35-14, H Spears 4.75 37-1, T Wyatt 1.50 35-15, J M Taylor 1.50 35-15, Henry Brown 1.50 35-15, J Gardiner 1.50 35-15, B Simonton 2.75 35-3, J Vansyoc 3.50 36-14, Mary A Robinson 4.00 34-1, D Briggs 4.00 36-14, J S Fisher 1.50 35-15, W Wort 1.50 35-15, M A Green 5.00 36-9, L Lunger 3.50 35-1, J P Farnsworth 1.25 34-7, S M Lansing 3.00 35-4, W H Conwell 1.75 34-14.
Cash Received on Account.
Geo I Butler $1.50, D A Robinson 1.20, S H Bonfoey 1.50, J W Raymond 5.85.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
T Lindsey $3.00.
Books Sent by Mail.
Julia A Bolin 25c, A C Woodbury 70c, F W Baker 50c, R K McCune 35-1, M Kittle $1.20, M C Holliday 25c, M A Crary 50c, A Woodruff 5c, B F Wilkinson 25c, Emma E Sturgess 25c, M Marquart 10c, L Dawson 10c, Mary Westfall 50c, N T Furman 25c, H Spears 25c, S Pierce 1.00, E Burbee 50c, I Z Lamb 10c, M E Sparks 10c, M J Bartholiph 50c, E F Reynolds 25c, I B Palmer 22c, J H Cook 89c, J Dorcas 25c, J W Sawyer 25c, W B Davis 25c, A E Stutzman 1.00, J H Morrison 60c, S Zinn 25c, J Vansyoc 25c, Lizzie Grant 25c, Z Beaman 25c, Geo I Butler 25c, L Haynes 25c, H Evans 10c, L A Bramhall 25c, A M Antisdale 35c, E P Cram 18c, J H Bedford 20c, C T Jensen 10c, A Rathbun 10c, E S Randall 25c, C B Preston 25c, J I Andrews 35c, D W Milk 1.00, S G Davis 20c, T L Waters 50c, C Flemming 1.79, D S Beers 50c, W G Chinnock 10c, H F Sprague 10c, A Mc Allaster 10c, M M Andrews 20c, S E Sutherland 25c, A W Smith 1.00, N Blood 20c, T Gordon 25c, I G Camp 25c, M J Steward 25c, J W Raymond 20c, Geo M Dimick 3.25, J Baker 25c, W H Colcord 25c, Alfred Chase 35c, H G Washburn 10c, W W Putnam 1.80, Geo I Butler 5.63.
Books Sent by Express.
S Vincent, Pottsville, Catt. Co., N. Y., $8.00, B F Merritt, Chillicothe, Peoria Co., $1.80.
Receipts for Benevolent Fund.
Mrs H Dunbar 25c, I G Camp $1.00, N Hoyt $2.00.
For California, Missouri.
Nason Hoyt $2.00.
Reproof Against Offense, Not Offender
PATIENCE affords us a shield to defend ourselves, but innocence denies us a sword to offend others.
THE sword of reproof should be drawn against the offense, and not against the offender.