We have just passed through a very strange discussion here, one in which God has given a decisive victory to his truth. By the urgent request of the friends here, backed up by the advice of Bro. White, I came to this place Tuesday, Nov. 8. I found the situation to be thus: Bro. Blanchard, two years ago, raised up a small church here under very bitter opposition. They were left alone, but got along very well till this fall, when a new Methodist minister came on. As some of our members had come out of that church, he immediately began war upon the S. D. Adventists, both in public and private. He boasted largely of his ability and learning, how he had debated with our ministers, defeated them, and even converted some of them back to Sunday, &c. Some were deceived by this, and began to think it might be so. He said, “Bring on your lecturers, and I will debate with them.” I wrote for his propositions, and he sent me the following, which I accepted. He affirmed,
“1. That Sunday synchronizes with the Edenic Sabbath in the order of occurrence.
“2. That the regular weekly Sabbath-days observed among the Hebrews, have expired.
“3. That there is evidence that Sunday was called the Sabbath by the New-Testament writers.
“4. That the Sabbath has reverted to its original seventh day by the resurrection of Christ.
“5. That God has prophetically announced Sunday as the original Sabbath.”
In short, it will be seen that he adopted Aker’s position. Among other rules, we adopted the following one: “Christian courtesy shall be maintained by the speakers toward each other, and all personal abuse prohibited.” We were to have eight sessions of two hours each.
As this would not begin till the next Monday, I improved the opportunity by preaching every night in the Christian church, which we occupy. My congregation increased till the close, and a good feeling was raised. We all sought the Lord with fasting and prayer, and felt sure the Lord would help us. In preparing for the debate, I found Bro. Andrew’s review of Aker of great value. To give the reader an idea of Mr. Turney’s boastings, I will quote from a paper published in the vicinity, which is only an echo of his own talk:
“If Mr. Turney triumphs in the debate, (and it is the unanimous opinion of all acquainted with him, that he will,) the cause of the Seventh-day Adventists will die, not only in Woodburn, but in every part of the United States, as Elder Canright has the reputation of being their ablest debater. The discussion will be, probably, taken down in short hand, and published to the world in book form. The services of such as understand phonography will be needed; and any stenographer who desires a few days’ employment, may find it to his advantage to write to Rev. Mr. Turney at this place, stating his capacity, and what remuneration he expects, that a proper selection may be made in the choice of a reporter between this and the 14th inst., on which day the debate will probably commence. No doubt persons will be present from all parts of the State to hear.”
Sad to relate, the reporter didn’t come! The attendance was very good. Mr. Turney’s positions were nearly the same as Aker’s. I need not repeat them. Never having met them before, I did not know how hard they might be to answer; but now I pronounce them the most absurd and unscriptural, and the easiest to be answered, of any I have ever met.
As soon as the debate opened, my worst fears of him were fully confirmed, and I knew we must have a stormy time. He began by reviling Bro. Andrew’s review of Aker. Then he was very personal, and spoke of me in the lowest and harshest terms. I paid191no attention to it for a time, only to say that I could not condescend to such low stuff. This immediately gave me the sympathies of the people. His arguments were met with but little effort. All saw this, and acknowledged it. In not one session did he gain even an apparent advantage, but the people confessed the truth clearer and clearer every time. During the fourth session, I called him to order for personal abuse. The feeling rose high. The next day, he did better in that respect. By this time nearly every one had lost confidence in him, and in his arguments and cause. Many of his own church and brethren condemned his conduct. Probably all this irritated him, so that the next night he opened his speech by saying that if I should repeat to him a certain statement out of doors, I would soon find myself on the ground!
I could hardly believe my own ears, that such a statement should come from a Methodist minister in the sacred desk! When I referred to it, he re-affirmed it with a threatening look. After this he went on from bad to worse, in the lowest and most disgusting manner, till he got into a personal quarrel with one of the audience, while speaking! At this I arose and told them that I was ashamed, and felt myself disgraced by discussing with such a man, and that I refused to go any further unless assured that such conduct would be prohibited. I appealed to the Methodist church, and the trustees of the house, as they regarded the sacredness of the house, and their reputation in society, to rebuke him, and repudiate his whole course. He denied the charges, and laid the blame on me. I appealed to a vote of the house. Only seven or eight voted for him, while an overwhelming majority, so many that the chairman could not count them, voted against him, and among them the trustees of the house, and his own leading brethren!
At the end of that session, the trustees announced that the house would be closed against any further discussion. To this all candid men heartily agreed. But Rev. Mr. Turney walked to the door, locked it, put the key into his pocket, and declared that he would open the house and go on with the debate as usual! Of course I refused to have anything to do with it. He said he would let the trustees know that he was the preacher in charge, and that their decision without him was illegal, and that he could control that house!
I need say no more. The feeling of the church and the community can be better imagined than described. He unlocked the door, finally, and let us out! It is but justice to say that the trustees treated me like gentlemen, and they have our sympathies. This is a terrible blow to the Methodist church, and to the cause of Sunday-keeping generally in this section. We have the sympathies and congratulations of all the people. What Mr. Turney will do, remains to be seen; but certainly he cannot expect to labor in Woodburn any longer.
On the Sabbath we had a most solemn and melting time. The Spirit of God was manifestly with us. There was not a dry eye in the house. We all wept together, and praised God for his truth, and all his abundant mercies to us. A number of new ones made a start to serve God, backsliders came forward with contrition and confessions; some took their stand to keep the Sabbath, and the brethren and sisters all expressed themselves as encouraged, strengthened, and settled in the work. My heart was full to overflowing. Praise the Lord.
Sunday morning we had a business meeting, when the good work still went on. Eight joined the church, just doubling their number. Seven of these have just embraced the Sabbath, and taken up the cross to be Christians. We went to the water where five were buried with Christ in baptism. This reminded me of what Mr. Turney frequently asserted during the debate; viz., that he was preaching the funeral sermon of S. D. Adventists in Woodburn. As he had preached the sermon, I did the burying. I like such burials very much.
Sunday evening the house was full, and I enjoyed preaching the word to them. At the close, a friend arose and said that a number of persons present wished in some way to show their friendly feelings, their sympathies with us, and their appreciation of the labors here bestowed; and that they wished to do it by coming forward in the audience and giving us a good-will offering. Thereupon a large share of the men present came and made their offering, which amounted to $27.00. Under the circumstances this was very affecting to us, as it showed that all these men and their families were our friends, and respecters of the truth. To sum up the result of going to Woodburn to attend the discussion: I had the privilege of talking nearly a week to hundreds, directly on the Sabbath question, reaching those who could not otherwise be reached; I spoke eleven times, to good congregations, on the present truth; seven embraced the truth, and five were baptized. Eight joined the church, and S. B. was raised from $30 to $80; I sold $28 worth of books, and obtained four subscribers for the REVIEW. To the Lord be all the praise. Many more are not only favorable, but almost persuaded to go with us. We hope they may be reached in the future. Monday, Bro. Young brought me to Brighton, where I took the cars, and arrived home the next day. We now go right on to Adel and Winterset.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Obituary Notices.
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
DIED, at Beaver Dam, N. Y., Sept 3, 1870, Mr. Almon Beecher, aged 64 years and 1 day, the husband of our much-esteemed sister, Hannah Beecher.
DIED, at the same place, of intermittent fever, Sept. 11, 1870, our dear sister, Jane Beecher Irish, in the 35th year of her age. Sister Irish kept the Sabbath for nine years, and was a firm believer in the present truth. In her death, the Catlin church lost one of its best members; but we mourn not as those that have no hope. J. A. LOUGHHEAD.
DIED, Oct. 11, 1870, in Randolph, Columbia Co., Wis., of congenital dyspepsia, Hugh J. Chapman, infant son of James P. and Cornelia E. Chapman, aged 5 months, and 20 days.
Also, Nov. 1, 1870, at the same place, and of the same disease, Eda E. Chapman, infant daughter of James P. and Cornelia Chapman, aged 6 months, and 10 days. Our dear babes sweetly fell asleep in Jesus without a sigh or groan. Remarks, on both occasions, by Bro. McDowell. J. P. AND C. E. CHAPMAN.
Report from Iowa.
By George I. Butler
ACCORDING to appointment, I met with the friends of the cause near Osceola, Nov. 2, to hold the meeting that I had to leave on account of being called away to the Kansas camp-meeting. We met in the school-house near Bro. Neal’s. I held ten meetings with them. Bro. Morrison was present a portion of the time, and assisted in laboring. I am very sorry that Bro. M. is not able to spend his whole time in the field, on account of poor health. This is the place where Bro. Morrison held lectures last winter, and quite a number came out. Years ago, under Eld. Snook’s administration, there were quite a number of Sabbath-keepers in this section of the State; but from various causes most of them became cold and discouraged, until they were almost lost sight of. A year ago last spring I first became acquainted with them, and have labored there from time to time; and as the result of our united efforts, I organized a promising little church of twenty-one members with S. B. to the amount $185.00. I baptized four. Some others would have come in, but they were detained by sickness.
The truth was first preached in this section by Moses Hull, when he began to proclaim the message; and one man said, while Bro. Morrison was lecturing, that it was the fourth time he had heard these things. Yet a good work has been done. Bro. Jacob Shively was elected elder, and Bro. Mahlon W. Neal, deacon. It took the name of the church of Woodburn, as that is the nearest post-office.
This effort has given me great encouragement in regard to other places where the cause has been neglected, by those in charge of it in years past, till there are only a few left. In this section of the State are several other good openings if we could furnish the labor. In all directions there are cries for help.
Nov. 9, I met with the church in Brighton, and remained over Sabbath and first-day, holding some nine meetings in all. Four were united to the church, two were baptized, and two disfellowshipped. We had a good attendance from other churches, and had a profitable meeting. For the first time the ordinances were celebrated here. These have been delayed so long because every time when I have been here before something seemed to be in the way. A good measure of the Lord’s blessing was there, and I trust a good impression was left on the minds of those present. The church is growing. I never felt so well satisfied with the condition of things here before. There is a growing in the direction of union and discipline. I have tried to keep the importance of discipline before the church from the start. Ten, in all, have been disfellowshipped since the organization of the church, mostly for apostasy; but nine have come in, so the number remains about good; also some excellent exchanges have been made. Others will come in, I think, if wisdom is used. We all felt that the Lord was on the giving hand.
Monday evening, Nov. 9, at the earnest request of the friends, I held a meeting near Richland. The going was bad, the weather was unpleasant, and the notice short, yet the attendance and interest were good. There must be more labor bestowed here as soon as possible.
Tuesday evening, Nov. 10, commenced meetings in Sigourney, and held in all ten meetings. I had not been here since we took down the tent. The church is not large, but they seem to be in earnest, and love the present truth. Our meetings were not as spiritual as I had hoped, but I think were profitable. Four were taken into the church, and three baptized.
I have felt much encouraged at all of our meetings since closing tent labor. The Lord has given freedom in speaking his word, and been specially present to help in times of great need. Since the close of the tent season, thirty-one new members have been added to our church list, and thirteen have been baptized. The calls for labor are very numerous, so that it becomes a matter of great perplexity to know where to go next. I shall soon start north, through the churches. GEO. I. BUTLER.
Mt Pleasant, Iowa.
Report from Bro. Downer.
By David Downer
My labors have been reported in connection with Eld. Sanborn’s, until our work closed with the tent. I then remained at Liberty Pole until Oct. 5; there are about fifteen more now keeping the Sabbath than when the tent left. Oct. 5, having an urgent call from Burns, I complied, and arrived there the 6th; preached four sermons, and think my visit was timely. I then returned to Liberty Pole, and spoke three times; then went to Victory, and delivered six lectures to a large and increasing audience. At the close, I called for all who would obey the truth with the brethren, to arise. Over ten stood up. Our parting with the church here was a touching one. I here met Bro. McKosky, from Coon Slough, who has commenced keeping the Sabbath from reading our works. I could not refuse his entreaties for help, and so went to his place. Could only stay three evenings. I spoke on the perpetuity of the law and Sabbath, then answered objections. I never had a more attentive audience. At my last lecture, I called upon all who believed that the Sabbath is binding to arise, when two-thirds of the audience arose. Thirteen are now keeping the Sabbath, as I have just learned.
I then went to Bad Axe Valley, and lectured eight evenings. The people were greatly interested; many I think will obey. One, a physician, was much interested, and bought largely of our publications. I intend to return as soon as Bro. Sanborn comes back. Some desired baptism. I think I never saw the truth have more effect on the people than now. The way opens in every direction. I have now thirteen urgent calls for help. Oh! that God would stir up his slumbering church, that we all may be prepared for the events awaiting us. DAVID DOWNER.
J. F. CARMAN: Your money for Library Fund was receipted in REVIEW No. 15, present Vol.
THE P. O. address of Hannah Clough, is Cummings City, Nebraska.
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Book Fund.
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Michigan Conference Fund.
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Michigan Camp-Meeting Fund.
A L Burwell $25.00, Sanford Rogers 10.00, R Godsmark 10.00.
Cash Received on Account.
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Western Camp-Meeting Fund.
M M Nelson $5.00, Rufus Baker & Wife 5.00, J J Maress 10.00, C Nichols 7.00, M C Mace 4.00, F M Mace 2.00, S Nichols 5.00, John Byington 5.00, T Bickle 1.00.
Library Fund of the S. D. A. P. Association.
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Foreign Mission.
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Special Notice
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Special Notice.
The several churches, also scattered brethren of Calhoun County, are invited to meet with the Battle Creek church, Sabbath, Dec. 10.
The churches at Burlington, Newton, Convis and Battle Creek, are requested to each choose a committee of three to meet at Battle Creek on first-day, the 11th, to take into consideration our duty to the poor in our midst. GEN. CONF. COM.
The Lord willing, I will commence lectures at Coon Slough school-house, Wednesday, Nov. 30. Meetings will continue till Dec. 8. At Shomway school-house, Dec. 9, to continue several evenings. At Burns, Lacrosse Co., Sabbath, Jan. 8, in the evening. DAVID DOWNER.
Providence permitting, I will meet with the churches in Iowa as follows: Anamosa, Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 17 and 18; Laporte City, Dec. 24 and 25; West Union, Dec. 31, and Jan. 1.
I hope for a general attendance of our brethren and sisters who are within a reasonable distance of these meetings. Cannot Bro. Johnson meet with us at the Laporte City meeting? GEO. I. BUTLER.
The next series of quarterly meetings for Minnesota will be as follows: Clark’s Grove, Jan. 14, 15; Brush Creek, Jan. 21, 22; Tanhassen, Jan. 28, 29; Blue Earth City, Feb. 4, 5; Deerfield, Feb. 11, 12; Pine Island, Feb. 18, 19; Maiden Rock, Wis., Feb. 25, 26; Greenwood Prairie, Mar. 4, 5; Pleasant Grove, March 11, 12. H. F. Phelps.
THIS WEEK'S REVIEW.
By James White
We have given a few selected articles of much value, which will be read with greater interest than ordinary original ones. Original articles containing neither news, stirring experience, nor rich thought, should never appear in the REVIEW.
The article from Bro. Clarke, “On Making Wills,” is worthy a place in our paper, and in the minds of all its readers. Please consider it in connection with our article on page 188.
Especial attention is called to the Book and Tract Department. The work is great, and calls for a helping hand from all. It will be seen in another column of this page that the Ten Thousand Dollars is being made up. Fall into line, friends. Come up to the help of the Lord in this noble work, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.
The discussion reported by Bro. Canright, and its results, show, not only the power of truth over error, but the power of the Spirit attending the advocacy of truth over the spirit of error. This is the work of God. Let us keep humble, and let God work.
The reports from Bro. Butler, Cottrell, and Downer, are good. We ask frequent, short, stirring reports from Elds. Ingraham, Sanborn, R. F. Andrews, Steward, Lane, Matteson, Taylor, Whitney, Haskell, Goodrich, Bourdeau, and a host of others. Come, brethren, all join us in making the REVIEW of living, growing interest. J. W.
New Works.
By James White
THE SPIRIT OF PROPHECY.—This is a volume of 416 pp., by Ellen G. White. It contains her views of the great controversy between Christ and his angels, and Satan and his angels, reaching from the time of the fall of Satan, down to the first advent of Christ. Price, by mail, $1.00, postage 16 cents.
OUR FAITH AND HOPE, No. 1.—This is a pamphlet of 184 pp., containing Sermons on the Millennium, the Second Advent, the Time of the End, the Church not in Darkness, Noah's Time and Ours, the Kingdom, the Judgment, the Time, the Sanctuary, and Saving Faith. It contains our views of the prophecy of Daniel, and the Sanctuary, beside much other valuable matter not in the old work entitled The Prophecy of Daniel, &c. It is designed for very extensive circulation. Price, by mail, 20 cents, postage 2 cents.
TRACTS.—The Millennium, The Second Advent, The Kingdom. These are Sermons Two, Three, and Four, of the pamphlet entitled Our Faith and Hope.
J. W.
Danish Hymn Book.
By James White
FOR sale at this Office, the new Danish Hymn Book, recently published at our Office, under the care of Eld. J. Matteson. It is a neat, well-bound book of 220 pages. Price 75 cents, postage 8 cents. J. W.
Book Fund.
TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS WANTED.
One Hundred Dollars Each.
James White, D. R. Palmer, Ira Abbey, H. W. Kellogg.
Fifty Dollars Each.
N. Orcutt, Jacob Shively, Friend B., N. Grant, Eld. Wm. Cottrell.
Twenty-five Dollars Each.
John Olive, A. W. Maynard, E. P. Kellogg, John Byington, Annie M. Gould.
Ten Dollars Each.
R. F. Cottrell, Wm. Boynton, C. Byington.
Five Dollars Each.
T. Alverson, C. P. Whitford, A friend, W. T. Carson, Mrs. Daniels, Julia M. Rhodes, Julia A. Corliss.
A Good Work.
UNDER date of Nov. 14, Eld. R. F. Cottrell writes a private note in regard to the success of the truth in East Otto, N. Y. He says:
“A good work is begun here. Sixteen or seventeen are keeping the Sabbath. And I had the privilege of baptizing two yesterday, men of standing and honest repute in this community. None in the place could be preferable for their influence. One of them has a family of sons and daughters, young men and women that manifest the signs of love and obedience only to be found in a well-regulated family. One of them has for some time professed religion. The others love the truth, and are seeking the Lord.”
Meeting at Winterset.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
BY vote of the church at Winterset, all the friends who are in reach of that place are cordially invited to attend the general meeting to be held there Dec. 9-11. Come, brethren and sisters, make an earnest effort to get to this meeting. It is just what you need. Come and help us, and give us a chance to help you. The church here is young. We hope our friends will remember this, and encourage them in the right direction. We feel anxious about this meeting, and hope God will graciously meet with us there. D. M. CANRIGHT.
“For our Learning.”
By James White
THE CURSE OF MEROZ.
“Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” Judges 5:23.
“He that gathereth not with me,” says the Saviour, “scattereth abroad.” There is no neutral ground to occupy on moral questions. To neglect is as to reject; and indifference is as hatred. Lukewarmness and formality are the evils of which we are specially warned in the last days. Rev. 3:14–18; 2 Tim. 3:1–5. There is a woe to them that are at ease in Zion. Amos 6:1. Says one, “You can point to no harm that I have done.” Question: Can you point to any good you have done? If not, you have done much harm; you have wasted your time; you have set a bad example; you have been unfaithful to the trust committed to you, and, like an unprofitable servant, hid your Lord’s money where it could bring no return.
More than all others, a careless, ease-loving minister must be offensive to God. Most to be feared and dreaded in the camp, is a sentinel sleeping at his post. For such an offense no excuse can be accepted. Eternity can only measure the evil done by a watchman sleeping “on the walls of Zion.” The scouts of the enemy are always on the watch; his forces ever stand ready to improve every advantage. “Be vigilant,” says our Captain. “Give all diligence,” is our order. “Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord negligently.” Jer. 48:10—margin. Said a sister, concerning a minister, “He came to our place on the evening of our prayer meeting, and we were much rejoiced to think of having such help in our meeting. After waiting a long time, he made a few cold remarks, and sat down and slept till our meeting ended.” Of course it was duly reported in his “time,” and Conference had to pay for his “labor” on that occasion. I do not wonder that a far-seeing brother said he feared our “Systematic Benevolence” was a curse to some. And I greatly fear that the curse of Meroz is upon more than one who hold license from their Conferences. Have we indeed the last message of mercy? are the plagues of God’s wrath impending? and is Satan working with great power to deceive the world? Where, then, are the Lord’s helpers against the mighty?
J. H. W.
Greatest Grief and Greatest Joy
An old clergyman once said, “When I come to die I shall have my greatest grief and my greatest joy: my greatest grief, that I have done so little for the Lord Jesus; and my greatest joy, that the Lord Jesus has done so much for me.”
Sophia L. Irish Thanks Reader for Review Subscription
By Sophia L. Irish
SR. SOPHIA L. IRISH writes from Anaka Co., Minn.: I wish to say to that brother or sister who has been so kind as to send me the Review so long without pay, that I am exceedingly thankful to them. I prize it very much. I live in the midst of unbelievers, with not one of like faith near me. There is a Methodist minister and his wife, here, who I believe are not much prejudiced, and will investigate the truth as it is presented to them.