I concluded my negative argument upon this question by showing that I had clearly proved the following facts with regard to the Sabbath and the first day of the week:—
The Sabbath vs. Sunday.
FIFTY-ONE BIBLE FACTS CONCERNING THE SEVENTH DAY.
1. The great God rested on the seventh day. Gen. 2:2, 3.
2. The Creator has blessed the seventh day. Ex. 20:11.
3. The Lord has sanctified the seventh day. Gen. 2:3.
4. It was made the Sabbath day in the garden of Eden. Gen. 2:1–3.
5. It was made before the fall of man, hence it was not a type. Gen. 2:1–3.
8. The word Sabbath means rest. The Creator rested, or sabbatized, on the seventh day; therefore, the Sabbath of the Lord is the day on which the Lord rested. Hence the seventh, and no other day of the week, is still the rest, or Sabbath, of the Lord our God.
9. It was made 2300 years before there was a Jew; hence it was not Jewish.
44. He preached upon it at least eighty-four times. Acts 13:14, 15; 42–44; 16:13; 17:3; 18:1–4, 11.
45. No dispute occurred between the Jews and Christians about the Sabbath; hence the Christians must have kept the same day that the Jews did, which was the seventh day.
46. It is mentioned in the New Testament fifty-nine times, always with respect as the Sabbath day.
47. It is not once said that the Sabbath is abolished or done away.
48. God has never given permission to any man to work upon it.
49. There is no record that God has removed his blessing or sanctification from it.
51. It will be kept eternally in the new earth. Isa. 66:22, 23.
THIRTY-SEVEN BIBLE FACTS CONCERNING THE FIRST DAY OF THE WEEK.
1. The first thing recorded in the Bible is work that was done by the Creator on the first day of the week. Gen. 1:1–5.
2. God provided for men to work upon it. Ex. 20:8–11.
3. None of the patriarchs or prophets kept it.
4. Christ did not keep it during his whole life.
5. The apostles worked upon it during the same time.
6. It is classed with the working days. Eze. 46:1.
7. God never rested upon it.
8. Christ never rested upon it.
9. There is no record that the apostles ever rested upon it.
10. God never blessed it.
11. Christ never blessed it.
12. It was never blessed by any divine authority.
13. It was never sanctified.
14. No law was ever given to keep it; hence it is no sin nor transgression to work upon it. 1 John 3:4; Rom. 4:15.
15. The New Testament nowhere forbids work to be done on it.
16. No penalty is given for its violation.
17. No blessing is promised for its observance.
18. It is never called the Christian Sabbath.
19. It is never called the Sabbath day at all.
20. It is never called the Lord’s day.
21. It is not called a rest day.
22. No sacred title whatever is applied to it.
23. It is called simply “first day of the week.”
24. Jesus never mentioned it in any way.
25. It is never said that the Sabbath was changed from the seventh to the first day.
26. If you keep it, “Who hath required this at your hands?” Isa. 1:12.
27. It is only mentioned eight times in the New Testament.
28. And six of these eight texts refer to the same first day.
29. No regulation is given as to how it should be observed.
30. Paul directed Christians to do secular business upon it. 1 Cor. 16:2.
31. Only one religious meeting is recorded upon that day, and this a night meeting. Acts 20:5–13.
32. It is not said that the disciples ever had a meeting on it before.
33. It is not intimated that they ever did afterward.
34. It is not said that it was their custom to meet on that day.
35. There is no requirement to meet and break bread on that day.
36. There is only one case where it was done. Acts 20:7.
37. That was done in the night, after midnight. Acts 20:7–11.
D. M. Canright.
THE RESURRECTION.
By Spurgeon
Reflecting the other day upon the sad state of the churches at the present moment, I was led to look back to apostolic time, and to consider wherein the preaching of the present day differed from the preaching of the apostles. I remarked the vast difference in their style from the set and formal oratory of the present age. But the main difference I observed was in the subjects of their preaching. Surprised I was when I discovered that the very staple of the preaching of the apostles was the resurrection of the dead. The apostles when they preached always testified concerning the resurrection of Jesus, and the consequent resurrection of the dead. It appears that the Alpha and Omega of their gospel was the testimony that Jesus died and rose again from the dead according to the Scriptures.—Spurgeon.
BUCK'S BRIDGE, N. Y.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Friday, Jan. 26, we came to Buck's Bridge. Bro. Hall, Wilbur, Wilcox, and S. B. Whitney, were here also. The weather was the finest and the sleighing the very best; so we had a good turnout from Hermon, Norfolk, Pierrepont, Silver Hill, Bangor, Gouverneur, &c. Our house was well filled. Some came in from the neighborhood. The friends were prompt in coming to meeting on time. We had freedom in preaching. Sabbath day there was deep feeling in the meeting. Sometimes nearly all were in tears.
There are more than a dozen young persons here, from fifteen to twenty years of age, the children of our people. They keep the Sabbath, respect the truth, and have good characters; but they are not Christians. All felt a deep anxiety for them, so we did all we could for them. Most of them came forward for prayers, though some would not; but I did not see them manifest the deep feeling that was needed. Monday I talked with many of them, each alone, and was much encouraged. Then we had a special meeting with them alone. It was a blessed season. They broke down with tears and weeping. All but one arose and took a stand for Christ. Then most of them prayed. Some who would not yield before did now.
Tuesday a full load of us went nine miles to Chase's Mills, where is a branch of the Buck's Bridge church. The Spirit of God helped us mightily. Four more made a good start here. We all praised God and rejoiced. There was not a dry eye in the house. One brother who has been a slave to tobacco made a most solemn vow to leave it forever at any cost. I preached in the school-house in the evening.
I could not feel it was right to leave a work so well begun right here, lest much be lost; so Eld. Wilbur will remain a week to follow it up, and the third Sabbath I shall come back. Duty requires this, though other parts of the field have to wait.
Sunday we took up S. B. and the T. and M. work. All took a part, raising their pledge considerably. They voted to give a third as much more for the T. and M. work. We got thirty-eight subscribers for our College paper.
Monday we had a good business meeting. One was expelled, and one received. Bro. Hilliard was elected and ordained elder of the church. It was voted to hold a two days' meeting the first Sabbath and Sunday in each quarter, beginning with January. At this meeting every name on the church book will be read, and each member inquired after, S. B. will be settled up, and the ordinances celebrated. I believe this will prove of great benefit to the church, if carried out.
Bro. S. B. Whitney has been with me thus far, but he goes into a new field now with Bro. Wilcox. Bro. W. is an able speaker. So far as this is concerned, there is no lack. He ought to be a first-class laborer, making a stir wherever he goes. When his consecration, life, and energy, are equal to his ability, he will be certain of success.
Come, brethren in New York, let us wake up and make things move, and let the devil and the world know that we are here.
D. M. Canright.
IOWA
By R. M. Kilgore
STATE CENTER.
I remained here two weeks after Bro. Butler left, the interest remaining good till the close. The brethren were encouraged and greatly strengthened by this meeting. As a result, three embraced the truth, and have commenced keeping the Sabbath; while of as many more we have very strong hopes.
NEVADA AND MARSHALLTOWN.
The following week I met with each of these churches, and found them, though newly come to the faith, still strong, united, and of good courage in the Lord, and their numbers increasing instead of diminishing.
LA PORTE.
Bro. Newton carried me with his team across the country to this place, where I began meetings on the evening of Jan. 19. Through the kindness of the Evangelical brethren, we were permitted to occupy their house of worship. We remained till the 28th, and were much gratified to see so great an interest manifested on the part of the people to hear. In this we were greatly disappointed. Here indeed has been the battle field, where one attack after another has been made upon this little flock, and the cause they represent. These attacks have been made by the very ones who first led them to take their stand with this people. Though the shepherds (four in number) have proved themselves hirelings, the sheep, with but few exceptions, are still rejoicing in the truth; and a better feeling and spirit of union exist than we expected to find.
But here, as in many other of our churches, a deeper work of grace must be sought for and obtained by each member before they shall be found “without spot or wrinkle or any such thing.” We would very earnestly urge our brethren, in the churches everywhere, carefully to reread and ponder well, and carry out in their lives, Bro. White’s fast-day address, founded on the teachings of Christ in Matt. 18. Brethren, heed the words of the Saviour, and thus avoid the heart-aches and burnings which always follow by pursuing the course of this world.
The house was filled every time with attentive hearers. On Sunday evening, the brethren of the M. E. church kindly opened their large house for us, where I spoke to a still larger congregation, on conversion. We have reason to believe that much prejudice was removed.
On Sunday, we presented the subject of tithes and offerings, and reorganized S. S. Their pledge was increased from $89 to $170. We tried to present the necessity of being active in the T. and M. work, and of helping forward this glorious message by being permanent subscribers of all our periodicals.
The last Sabbath was a good day with us, while celebrating the ordinances of the Lord’s house.
I go to Brighton Thursday evening next, and will begin a series of meetings at Richland on Friday evening, Feb. 2.
May the Lord go with us.
R. M. Kilgore.
Jan. 30.
MICHIGAN
By E. R. Jones
During the month of January, Bro. I. A. Olmstead and myself visited, and held meetings with the churches at Napoleon, Jackson, Spring Arbor, Hillsdale, Ransom, Jefferson, Adrian, Eaton Rapids, Potterville, and Quincy. The object before us in these meetings was to arrange Systematic Benevolence for the year 1877, to instruct and help our brethren with reference to tract and missionary work, to settle difficulties and remove trials where such existed, and to encourage and strengthen by preaching to them the word of truth.
To all the meetings at the above-named places the friends turned out well, and when there was preaching their neighbors and friends came in quite freely except at Potterville, where the weather being severe but few attended besides the members of the church.
All who came gave the best of attention to what was preached, and the cheerful testimonies of our friends told plainly that they still loved the precious things of the word of the Lord. By the earnest invitations of both our brethren and those outside to remain longer or return soon, there was manifested a deep desire to hear further on the soul-stirring theme of the third angel’s message and kindred truths. The Lord gave much freedom in declaring them to the people.
The meetings at Jefferson in their results were very encouraging. The blessing of the Lord was with his people from the first meeting to the last. Peculiar trials have well nigh destroyed this church. The persistent efforts of an individual not a member of the church, to divide, distract, and destroy their peace, has troubled them very much. Satan has his agents through whom he works, and there is no doubt in the minds of our friends at Jefferson and those who have endeavored to help them, that this person is one of that class; and the course pursued by him will justify the application of Paul’s words, “O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” The church by a rising expression pledged before God and to each other that they would not give ear to his words, or in any way be influenced by him hereafter. If they are faithful to their vow, they will escape all trouble from this source in the future.
In all the business that was done in every place we visited, the willingness on the part of all to act was truly gratifying. Not having had much to do with the arranging of S. B. previous to this, the idea had by some means existed in my mind that it took a good deal of urging to get the people to come up to the plan, and that when they did act, it would be in such a way as almost to make one think that it was directly opposite to what the apostle taught in 2 Cor. 9:7. It was with something of a feeling of dread that this part of the allotted work was commenced. How quickly were all fears dispelled by the willing, cheerful action of all upon Systematic Benevolence, also the added one-third for the T. and M. work! Says the apostle, “If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” There was no urging, no murmuring, “they were willing of themselves,” and this soon became a very pleasant part of the work to be accomplished.
The willing sacrifice of some who were really poor caused the tears to start, and deeply impressed a sense of the obligation to touch with careful, consecrated hands money thus cast into the treasury of the Lord.
The friends feel very grateful for the careful management and sound judgment of Bro. Olmstead in the settlement of difficulties and for his timely advice.
I parted with Bro. O. at Coldwater, Jan. 29, he to go home, I to a new field of labor. I have now commenced a series of meetings at Hall’s Corners, with a good hearing. I am of good courage. For the present my P. O. address will be California, Branch Co., Mich.
E. R. JONES.
Feb. 1.
NILES HILL, N. Y.
By B. L. Whitney
The meeting at this place, Jan. 20 and 21, was well attended considering the bad condition of the roads. The Spirit of the Lord seemed to come into the meeting in some measure, and some hearty confessions were made. One brother, who has for a long time been wandering away from God, made a hearty confession of his past wrong course, and again took his stand to try to live out the truth and fill his place in the church. The brethren pledged themselves by rising vote to secure a full attendance when Bro. Canright shall visit them.
ULYSSES, PA.
Jan. 27 and 28, I met with this church, accompanied by most of the brethren from Niles Hill. I spoke six times besides holding prayer and conference meetings. Sr. S. A. Lindsley also spoke once with good acceptance.
The brethren of this district have not seemed to manifest as much interest in the missionary work for the past few months as formerly. We tried to call attention to the importance of this department of the work, and impress the necessity that each come up to bear his individual responsibility. We feel confident from the course pursued by some that they were in earnest in their resolutions to reform in this direction.
Unfortunately the 1000 almanacs shipped to this district Nov. 2 went to Geneseo instead of Genesee, and came to the district only the day before the meeting. Feeling the necessity of immediate action considering47the lateness of the season, the brethren promptly came forward, and became individually responsible for the whole number, and will see that they are immediately used. They also raised the funds to place a tract distributor in the depot of the Erie R. R. at Wellsville.
Forty-one subscriptions to BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE, fourteen for REFORMER, and several each for REVIEW and INSTRUCTOR, were taken at these meetings.
B. L. WHITNEY.
Rome, Jan. 30, 1877.
SUPPOSE
By Sel.
“Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are ye in My hand, O house of Israel.”
“And the vessel that He made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter.” Jer. 18:6, 4.
Suppose a lump of senseless clay,
While in the potter’s hand, should say:
“Now, potter, try on me your skill,
And fashion me what form you will.”
Then, with a master’s cunning art,
He molds in shape each separate part,
Till, ’neath his fingers’ deft control,
He views the finished, perfect whole,
And says: “My skill I have essayed,
A goodly vessel thou art made;
But to retain thy perfect shape,
Thou must the fiery process take.”
Yet, when within the oven laid,
All heated, as the potter said,
The clay no longer passive lies,
But quickly to the potter cries,
“Come hither, quick, for mercy’s sake,
And me from out this oven take;
I said I would be fashioned, turned,
But did not bargain to be burned.”
Obedient to this stern demand,
The Potter reaches forth his hand;
A lump of clay—all incomplete—
Again it falleth at his feet!
Just such, my child, is thy desire,
Thou wouldst be formed, but not by fire;
Thou wouldst the perfect image take,
The fiery ordeal yet forsake.
Now, from this truth a lesson learn,
And when the flames around thee burn,
Just think who knoweth best, I pray,
The Potter, or the senseless clay!
—Sel.
CLINTON CO., PA.
By R. F. Cottrell
For several weeks I have been laboring in German Valley near Lock Haven, the county seat. Though an entire stranger to them all, I have been received with Christian courtesy and hospitality. Have preached sixteen times, and visited nine families. Four have embraced the Sabbath, and many others are convinced of, and acknowledge, the truth, and it is evident that they will not get rid of their convictions till they embrace it.
This is a new field. Not one was keeping the Sabbath when I came, though one had become acquainted with it, chiefly by reading, and had engaged in enlightening others. And having such a one to lead, I have confidence that the work will not stop, but go on until the day of the Lord. Sabbath, the 27th, we celebrated the Sabbath for the first time here by meeting together. Had a good meeting. Several friends were present besides those who have begun to keep the Sabbath. Meetings are to be continued on the Sabbath and a Sabbath-school started.
Lock Haven is a city of some eight thousand inhabitants, as I am informed, and I have thought that it might be a good place for a tent company to operate the coming summer. I go from here to Baltimore, Md., where a hall is engaged for a course of lectures. That will probably be my address through the month of February.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Jan. 28, 1877.
VERMONT
In a private note, Eld. S. N. Haskell says, “We have had some success here in old Vermont, but not so much as we expected to have. We have visited Berkshire, Bordoville, Richford, Irasburgh, and Wolcott. The aggregate advance of S. B. of those present has been about $280.00; and we have disposed of about fifty copies of the SIGNS, 12 of the REFORMER, and about 200 ‘Way of Life.’”