It would indeed be presumptuous in the writer to attempt a full description of our pioneer paper, better known as the SIGNS OF THE TIMES; nor is it at all necessary, for doubtless every intelligent reader of the SIGNS is cognizant of the fact that its merits are of intrinsic value. Its columns are filled with such matter as to instruct, encourage, and inspire hope within the breast of all who read it with a careful and prayerful attention. It is adapted to the learned and the unlearned, to the old and to the young. To the new born babes it furnishes the sincere milk of the word, i. e., the pure doctrines of the gospel of Christ as taught and practiced by the apostles.
To those who are of full age it furnishes an abundance of strong meat, and aids them in their researches after those truths pertaining to the times in which we live. I have given but a partial description of the SIGNS, showing the character of the paper properly designated as our pioneer paper, designed by its managers to be used as such by the working members of the Tract and Missionary Society. But are we doing it? Do we rightly comprehend the meaning of the word pioneer? Webster defines it thus: “One who goes before, to remove obstructions, or prepare the way for another.” The SIGNS is intended for this very purpose,—to clear away obstructions, remove prejudice, tear down those barriers erected by Satan, and thus prepare the way for the truth of God to find its way to honest hearts. We do not, brethren, place a proper estimate upon the SIGNS. It is invaluable. It is not to be estimated by dollars and cents; still this paper is offered to the T. and M. Society for the small sum of $1.50 per year. Did we but realize the importance of the mission of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and what a weapon of defense it is against the powers of darkness when properly used by the missionary corps, I fear Bro. White would find his present edifice far too small for its publication.
Brethren, let us make one general rally around the standard of truth, re-enlist, and for life, under the banner of king Jesus. Come, while room is left us in the ranks of those who have labored and toiled and borne the burden in the heat of the day; come now and let your influence be cast on the side of truth and righteousness. Come, captains of fifties and captains of hundreds, martial your forces, present a bold front, and carry the war into the enemy’s camp. Let us rest neither day nor night until we see the SIGNS OF THE TIMES a self-sustaining paper. Let every brother and every sister in the district, yes, and in the Conference, subscribe for the SIGNS at $2.00 per year and as many copies as they consistently can for free distribution for $1.50 per year. By this means, and the efforts of the entire T. and M. Society to obtain full paying subscribers for the SIGNS, we shall soon place it upon a firm basis, and prepare the way for the truth to go to hundreds of places which otherwise might refuse to hear.
M. Wood.
Boston, Dec. 17, 1876.
New Sweden, Maine.
By James Sawyer
After an absence of nearly two weeks from friends and brethren who seem very dear to me, and from a work in which our interests are very closely related, we take up the pen to give a brief account of our journey to Maine. Time forbids to relate the successful missionary effort in Detroit and the interesting interview with a young physician on the cars as we passed through southern Canada. Suffice it to say, we passed the home of our childhood in Port Byron, York State, without hardly realizing that we were on that beloved spot. On we hastened toward the sunrising, over the way where twenty-five years ago we journeyed under such different circumstances. We well remember the parting words of a fond mother and the kindness of a beloved father as we went forth then to battle with the storms of life. We are thankful that a parent's prayers followed us amid the temptations and trials of early life. We believe God had a care for us then; we think our dear brethren's prayers avail for us now. Thank God for a union which shields the weary traveler in every land, and that causes angels to be sent forth “to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation.”
We arrived at Portland, where we were refreshed by the encouraging words of Bro. and Sr. Lobdell, as well as by the healthful food on their table. This dear brother has realized some of the blessings of heeding the maxim, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The next day we had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of an American and a Swedish brother. The meeting with this Swedish brother was interesting in view of our former religious correspondence. We were sorry we could not spend the Sabbath with our Swedish friends in Portland, but appointment at Somerset Mills forbade it.
At Somerset Mills, we were welcomed by Bro. Tuck, a man who, among many others, knows how to value the benefits of health reform.
As we here learned that Eld. Goodrich would not be present, we felt disappointed, though not discouraged. Eld. Goodrich, not knowing of the vote of the General Conference in regard to the work in New Sweden, had gone to that place himself to do what he could for the Swedish brethren. The brethren had come in from different places, and our heart was cheered to see the pleasant faces of these faithful, tried ones. Bro. Putnam, from Norridgewock, assisted on first-day, so that the meeting closed with much encouragement, at least to me. As we met from house to house in Somerset Mills, we felt the blessed influence of this little company whose hearts are so closely knit together. Their determination to be thorough reformers and heartily to engage in the tithing system according to the Bible plan, shows plainly that they are workers whom the Lord will bless.
On we journeyed to Holton by way of Bangor. This place is situated about half a mile from the international boundary. We had to pass through the province of New Brunswick to reach it. It contains about three thousand inhabitants. As we determined to see Bro. Goodrich before we went farther, and as we had gained a day in our journey, our mind was led to the idea of spending Thanksgiving day in selling almanacs, and getting subscribers for the REFORMER. It being a holiday, our work was somewhat interrupted; however, in the stores and shops we sold twenty-four almanacs and obtained two subscribers for the HEALTH REFORMER.
We then set out on foot to go to Linneus, where is a company of Sabbath-keepers. We had only got beyond the limits of the town, when we met our dear Bro. Nickerson, from Linneus, who had come with a horse and carriage to meet me. Arriving at Linneus, we found Bro. Goodrich, who had just returned from New Sweden.
The next day we accompanied him eight miles to Oakfield, where was a church of about twenty Sabbath-keepers. Meetings were held Sabbath evening and Sabbath. The ordinances were for the first time administered in the presence of this church. There were those at this meeting who came a long way. The cry from three different neighborhoods was, “Bro. Goodrich, can you come and help us? A house is ready, and the people want to hear.” Some followed eight miles, to a place where a meeting was held evening after the Sabbath. At the time appointed, there sat an anxious audience, ready to hear. One man had come ten miles on foot to hear the first Adventist discourse.
The brethren from Oakfield and Linneus met in the meeting-house at Linneus Corners on first-day, where three meetings were held. The last was in behalf of the tract and missionary work. At a meeting held in the evening in an adjoining neighborhood, we had abundant evidence of the power of the truth in the earnest and heartbroken testimonies that were given by those who had lately embraced the present truth under the labors of Bro. Goodrich.
We are now in Aroostook Co., Maine. Our next report will bring us more particularly to the work which has been allotted us. We hope our brethren will remember us in their prayers.
JAMES SAWYER.
Inward Music.
By John Keble
There are in this loud, stunning tide
Of human care and crime,
With whom the melodies abide
Of the everlasting chime;
Who carry music in their heart
Through dusky lane and wrangling mart,
Plying their daily toil with busier feet,
Because their secret souls a holy strain repeat.
—John Keble.
WORK ON.
By A. S. Hutchins
Yes, dear brethren and sisters, work on. Work in this work will give you strength to work. A young brother who was persuaded with considerable effort last year to take thirty Health Almanacs to circulate girded on the armor this year and started out with almanacs and tracts. Not long after, he wrote me: “Have words of good cheer in relation to almanacs. Have now sold one hundred and eighty; for miles they took them at every house, one or more. Some take two—one to give away.”
“Have scattered other reading. Had several interesting talks with some. Found one man who seemed very anxious to have meetings held in his place. He knew nothing of us as a people till we met. He is a Baptist, and reported to be a good man. I love this work.”
This sounds well from beginning to end. Brethren, pass along your cheering reports in the good work.
“Our life as a dream, our time as a stream,
Glides swiftly away,
And the fugitive moment refuses to stay.”
A. S. HUTCHINS.
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
By M. Wood
“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully;” or, as the margin reads, negligently. Jer. 48:10.
Days have swelled into weeks, and weeks into months, since the first issue of the Health Almanac for 1877 made its appearance upon the stage of action. Thousands and thousands of them have been circulated over a territory extending from Maine to California; yes, and even to far-off Switzerland and France, to gladden the hearts of our foreign missionaries. And yet there are those in our very midst, members of the T. and M. Society, earnest, zealous workers, who have not seen a single copy, either to read themselves or to sell to their interested neighbors.
Where is the fault? Who is to blame? We know that the State secretary has forwarded the almanacs to those whose duty it is to place such matter within the reach of the brethren and sisters of their respective churches. If the librarian, or leader, or others, who have charge of such matters, do not supply you with almanacs, tracts, &c., for distribution, then go to higher authority; make your wants known, and they shall be supplied.
There have been some in times past, who, either from a lack of knowledge in regard to the working of the T. and M. Society or a spirit of indifference, have allowed this branch of the work to wither and die. This ought not so to be. Brethren, the work in which we are engaged is the work of God; and we are accountable for the way and manner in which we discharge our duties. There is a fearful responsibility resting upon those in any way connected with the work of God. And if we have neither the time nor inclination properly to attend to the work assigned us, let us make way for others who will not make the cause of God a secondary consideration. M. Wood.
An Appeal to the Tract Societies.
By S. N. Haskell
That we have reached a very important period in the history of this work, there can be no doubt; and if the present inducements offered to the Tract Societies are not sufficient to arouse them to activity, I know not what inducement could be offered that would do it. The more we have considered the steps taken at the late session of the General Conference relating to the tract and missionary work, the more fully we are convinced that it is not only a step in advance, but the only move that will place this cause upon a financial basis, and be productive of great spiritual prosperity to all those who cheerfully act. It will also open avenues to a thousand fire-sides where there is one at the present time where the sacred rays of present truth can enter.
If the various Tract Societies adopt the plan in reference to obtaining subscribers for our periodicals and raising means, there is not a Tract Society in the country but that will be stronger within one year financially and in every other respect than ever before. In fact they will be able to do anything they please.
Let us examine this from a financial standpoint. We start out on the supposition that each Conference adopt the plan of Systematic Benevolence recommended by the General Conference. With the light that now shines upon this subject, no Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, no church or member of this denomination, can expect God’s blessing without cheerfully adopting it.
(1) It has been made very clear from the word of God. (2) God’s servants who have led out in this cause from the commencement have felt the burden of this matter and have led out in it. (3) The spirit of God has spoken twice directly upon it. (4) The General Conference, after a careful re-examination of the whole matter, have unanimously recommended it to all our people. Under this weight of evidence it cannot be unheeded without the frown of Heaven; while on the other hand if we venture, and adopt the same cheerfully, it will bring to us the approbation of a just and holy God. See Mal. 3: 8–12; 1: 7, 8, 12–14; Matt. 23: 23; 1 Cor. 16: 1, 2; 2 Cor. 9: 6–10; Prov. 3: 9, 10.
With the present number of Sabbath-keepers, according to the plan, the S. B., at a low estimate, would not be less than $75,000 in this country. Now raising a sum equal to one third this amount for our tract enterprise, we have $25,000. Place by the side of this $5,000 for new members at one dollar each, which might be added within three months’ time if all of our Tract Society members would promptly take hold of the work according to the sixth recommendation to the Michigan Tract Society.
Then there are the periodicals with the premiums offered to new subscribers: “Uses of Water,” “Sun-shine Series,” and “The Way of Life.” The present arrangements in regard to the “Way of Life,”5with the REFORMER, or the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, are such that not less than 10,000 names can easily be obtained by members of the Tract Society, who are not especial agents. This will yield an actual profit to the Tract Societies of one per cent., or $1,000.
That is, the Way of Life, offered to the Tract Societies, when used in obtaining new subscribers outside of our people, is 60 per cent. discount. The Tract Society pays $1.50 for the SIGNS. This will give the society 10 cents for every subscriber obtained for the SIGNS and “Way of Life” at $2.00, the price to be charged for the two.
It is the same with the REFORMER. See the agent’s circular.
The arrangements made with those who give their entire time to canvassing are such that hundreds might thereby obtain a livelihood.
There are some sisters who are now earning from $1.00 to $1.50 per day at canvassing.
Now the result of this:—The $25,000 will pay for the tracts used. The $1,000 on premiums and $5,000 on membership will give $6,000 for the Tract Societies, whereby they will be enabled to send the SIGNS and HEALTH REFORMER to nearly 5,000 families on trial at Tract Society rates.
This plan being adopted throughout the entire field equalizes the labor and systematizes the action. The especial agents should procure as many more subscribers. The almanacs, according to the plan recommended, will pay for themselves.
These figures, to those who have not given this subject much thought, may at first seem large; but if each individual member of the tract society will cheerfully take hold of this work (and many are doing it), the aggregate will far exceed the statements here made.
Then, the spiritual benefit derived from this kind of labor cannot be estimated. As practice will give experience, and qualify the mechanic to be a master workman at his trade, and perfect the professional man in his calling, so the individual who devotedly engages in the work of God will become strong in the Lord and a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.
We have no time to lose. The sooner our Conferences take hold of this work the better. It is our next step to forward this cause. It is in harmony with the divine law of equality. It gives every Conference an opportunity of coming up in the work without leaving a heavy debt upon the same. The poor Conferences have no excuse. Their past debts have been forgiven. God has gone out before us to prepare the way. Public sentiment is far different from what it was one year ago.
The Seventh-day Adventists are favorably known everywhere in this country. The public press speaks in their favor. God is leading. The cloud is arising. Soon the work will be far in advance of those who fail to put forth that effort which is necessary in this important crisis. We believe there will be a rally from Maine to California; and those individuals, churches, and Conferences, who act well their part in these moves, will soon hear it said by the great Dispenser of all blessings, “Because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee a ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” S. N. HASKELL.
DEDICATION AT CARSON CITY, MICHIGAN.
By Uriah Smith
This meeting, held according to appointment, Dec. 16 and 17, was one of most excellent interest. A little over two years ago a tent was pitched in this place by Bro. A. O. Burrill, Bro. E. Van Deusen acting as tent master. By these the truth was faithfully set before the people in this region. A good beginning was then made, and the cause has been growing here ever since. At the present time there are some forty good, substantial people connected with the church, and others who have not yet entered into the organization doubtless will join soon. The church is fully organized with efficient officers, and has an S. B. pledge of $240 per year.
They now have a house of worship 28x46, substantially built and nicely finished without and within. It is an ornament to the place and a credit to our cause.
Bro. Burrill, who naturally feels a deep interest in his spiritual children here, they being also strongly attached to him, was present, and gave two discourses during the meetings, besides filling in with appropriate remarks and assistance on all other occasions. He beholds here the result of his first independent effort in this cause, and he has taken hold with unselfish and untiring devotion to secure it. The meeting house holds a good deal of the labor of his own hands. While his voice has been heard proclaiming the truth to the people, his hammer has been heard early and late upon the building, much as we may imagine it was with Noah while constructing the ark. He seemed resolved to make meeting house his meat and drink, till that people should have a suitable place in which to worship. And all the friends there, both brethren and sisters, have taken hold nobly in the enterprise, to second him in his work, lifting to the best of their ability to secure the house. The Lord will make it a continual store-house of blessings for them if they will be faithful in his service.
Bro. Fargo, president of the Mich. T. and M. Society, was present and spoke once. An interesting and encouraging T. and M. meeting was held on Sunday. On the Sabbath, after an earnest exhortation from Bro. B., quite a number came forward for prayers including all in the house who made no profession. May the start they have made, be the beginning of continuous progress in the way of life.
A few brethren and sisters were in from other places, and but for the excessive cold and storm that began the day before the meeting the house would probably have been crowded throughout with Sabbath-keepers. As it was the congregations were good, with quite a representation from the citizens of the place not of our faith.
At the dedication services, Sunday forenoon, the house was well filled. Bro. B. gave a brief history of the work from its commencement in that place up to the time of the completion of the house. He was able to report the house all paid for, and no necessity for calling for anything from those present. This was in marked and pleasing contrast with the dedication services of the two other churches of the place, which took place only a short time ago, and which consisted principally in pressing the congregation for contributions to meet the debt incurred in building. We endeavored to set forth some of the causes which have operated to develop the class of religionists known as Seventh-day Adventists, and to present some of the reasons of our hope. Good attention was given.
The brethren in Carson have formally dedicated their house to the cause of the third angel’s message. They have invited the Lord to make it his temple and there manifest his saving power. They have themselves covenanted anew to walk together, live in peace and love, and labor for the good of their fellow-men. By God’s eternal decree, his blessing is inseparably linked to such a course of action, and if they fulfill their vows, they will surely enjoy it.
We formed an agreeable acquaintance with the brethren there, and shall ever look back with pleasure to our visit to Carson. U. S.
DEDICATION AT BURLINGTON, MICH.
By Uriah Smith
It was a sincere pleasure to us to meet the brethren of Burlington and vicinity, on the occasion of the dedication of their new house of worship, Dec. 30 and 31, 1876. We return just about as the paper is to go to press, and hence can say but a few words concerning it.
The truth was planted in Burlington about nineteen years ago, and a church has there maintained its organization ever since. They have at times severely felt the want of a house of worship, and at different periods have agitated somewhat the question of building. These efforts are at length crowned with success, and they have a neat and commodious house of worship 28 by 45 feet, with a hall 8 by 12. The room is capable of seating comfortably about 260 persons. Enough has been pledged, really or prospectively, to cover all expenses incurred thus far. But this has not been accomplished without a spirit of willingness on the part of all to do liberally in the work, and a spirit of especial sacrifice and devotion on the part of a few faithful friends of this enterprise. We trust the Lord will reward them abundantly for their efforts, and that the erection of this house will mark an era in the history of this church of great prosperity and spiritual advancement.
Brethren and sisters were in from other places, so that on the Sabbath the house was well filled. On Sunday forenoon, at the dedicatory services, the house was crowded, and the best of attention was given. Good audiences were present at the other services of the day.
There was not so much promptness and zeal in some portions of the social meetings as we would have been glad to see. This is not heeding Paul's injunction to exhort one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Remember this, brethren. But the preaching was generally pointed, earnest, and free. Seven discourses in all were given, Bro. E. R. Jones speaking twice, and Bros. M. B. Miller and H. M. Kenyon, once each. It was well received and appreciated by those present.
The brethren in Burlington may well feel gratified to find themselves in possession of so nice a house of worship. They have done nobly in this, and the brethren and sisters from other places felt to rejoice with them in it. Taken as a whole, we consider the meetings excellent; and the occasion was one we enjoyed very much.
U. S.
THE DEFINITE ARTICLE, AND THE LAW.
By Uriah Smith
We have been accustomed to use Rom. 3:31, as a good proof text upon the subject of the perpetuity of the law: “Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish the law.” We claim that the moral law is definitely pointed out, and its perpetuity in the strongest manner affirmed. But our friends on the other side have made a discovery and are jubilant. They find that the article, the, is in the Greek omitted before the word, law, in this text, and hence they claim that the text refers to no definite law, but to law in a general sense: “Do we then make void law through faith? God forbid; yea, we establish law.”
But what is gained by such a position? Does not law in a general sense include all laws in a particular sense? What they desire to maintain is that all law that existed prior to Christ was destroyed by him, or is made void by faith in him. And if we read the text according to their ideas, and on their own ground, a most glaring contradiction is involved; thus, “Do we then make void law through faith?” And they must answer, Yes, all law that existed before Christ. But how, then, does Paul’s answer fit, “God forbid; yea, we establish law”? Oh! yes, they answer, that law which they, by some microscopic examination, think they find in the New Testament.
The terms, “make void,” can be used only in reference to past law; but the same law that is not made void is established by faith. Therefore faith establishes law, whether we use that term in a general or a specific sense, that existed before Christ. But then, of course, it would be understood that all such laws were excepted, as had been set forth as only temporary regulations, or to expire by limitation, as the national and ceremonial laws of the Jews.
But this is only one text out of a mass which prove the perpetuity of the law; and if it could be shown that this is indefinite, nothing whatever is gained toward unsettling this question; there is plenty of proof in other quarters. The most that can be said of the absence of the article in favor of the claim of our opponents, is that it gives them a chance to make an assertion, and, on the same principle that drowning men catch at a straw, they are not slow to improve it.
The word law occurs in the New Testament one hundred and eighty-nine times. One hundred and twenty times it is used with the article, in the original, and sixty-nine times without it. And sometimes in the very same verse it is used both with and without the article, when both words undeniably refer to the same thing.
Thus in Rom. 3:19, the article is used, “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law;” but in the very next verse the word law occurs, in the Greek, without the article: “Therefore by the deeds of law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by law is the knowledge of sin.”
Does any one suppose that these two verses do not refer to the same law, or that they refer to any other law than that which is the rule of moral action, and the test of sin? Yet the use of the article is with Paul seemingly a matter of utter indifference in this instance.
The same use of the article is noticed in Rom. 2:12, 13: “As many as have sinned in law, shall be judged by law. For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law.” And the next verse, verse 14, furnishes an instance where the article is both used and omitted in the same verse: “For when the Gentiles which have not law do by nature the things contained in the law.” Also verse 23: “Thou that makest thy boast of law, through breaking the law dishonorest thou God.”
In Luke 2:23, the law is shown by other limiting words to be definite, yet the article is not used, thus: “As it is written in law of the Lord.” Verse 24 the same. But in verse 39, the same expression is used, and the article is expressed; thus, “According to the law of the Lord.”
So we might go on through the whole list, showing that the use of the article or its omission seems to be a matter of indifference, and proves nothing whatever. But if any should still claim that its use is significant, then we answer that the important texts in which it is used, as in Matt. 5:17, 18; Luke 16:17, &c., are more in number than those in which it is omitted.
Finally, relative to the usage of Greek writers in this respect, we quote the following from Crosby’s Greek Grammar, ¶ 533:— “Omission of the article. With substantives which will be recognized as definite without the article, it is often omitted; particularly with (a) Proper names . . . . (c) Abstract nouns, names of arts and sciences, and nouns used generally. . . . (d) Familiar designations of place, time, and related persons or objects.” ¶ 534, 5: “The insertion or omission of the article often depends, both in poetry and prose upon emphasis, euphony, or rhythm; and upon those nice distinctions in the expression of our ideas, which, though they may be readily felt, are often transferred with difficulty from one language to another. Its omission in many cases, doubtless, comes from the retention of earlier usage. In general the insertion of the article promotes the perspicuity, and its omission the vivacity of discourse. It is consequently more employed in philosophical than in rhetorical composition, and far more in prose than in poetry. It should be remarked, however, that there is perhaps none of the minutiæ of language in which manuscripts differ more than in respect to its insertion or omission, especially with proper names.”
Under these circumstances, considering the use and omission of the article in the Scriptures, and the statement of the grammar respecting the law for its omission, whoever tries to build an argument against the perpetuity of the law upon the omission of the article in Rom. 3:31, or in any other text, is simply erecting a structure far less substantial than a house of straw upon a foundation of sand. U. S.
BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE.
By C. W. S.
This name has now come to have a double significance, relating first to our school, and secondly to the College paper so long looked for. The first number is about ready for the press and will be issued in a day or two. It is designed to circulate this sheet among those who are interested in our school, and this class should include every family of Seventh-day Adventists in the United States. The price of the paper for a year is ten cents, a sum less than the actual cost; but, should our people subscribe liberally, and the paper have the desired effect, the expense will ultimately work its way back.
We invite our brethren everywhere to interest themselves in behalf of our noble school. We want five thousand subscribers for the College paper. It is a sheet devoted to the interest of the College, and is of the same size as the INSTRUCTOR. On its first page will be found a large cut of the College and the grounds in front. Interesting articles from Eld. White, Prof. S. Brownsberger, Prof. G. H. Bell, and others, fill its pages, giving interesting information concerning the resources and standing of the school, the facilities for good board at low rates, directions to students preparing to come to school, and treating upon modes of teaching and general topics.
Brethren, could the history of this institution, from its rise until now, be pictured before your mind, you could not fail to see the hand of God in it. He has opened the way, and led out; shall we follow? He has favored us till we now have a school where every student is under the watchful eye of interested persons who will spare no pains to shield them from the evil of bad associations which so often prove fatal to their improvement and morals. Through His providence, we have teachers who are godly men and well qualified to fill the teacher’s desk.
Our school presents the best of opportunities for studying the languages. It is provided with able teachers of Greek and Latin, a teacher of the Hebrew, who reads it (his native tongue) as readily as you read English, and native teachers of the Danish, Swedish, and French tongues. At our Christmas-eve meeting, the thirteenth chapter of first Corinthians was read in ten different languages by ten different young men.
May the Lord bless our school; and to this end may he bless our College paper, THE BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE. Now do you wish to aid in this matter? Send in just as many names as you can get at ten cents each. We want 5,000 subscribers among our own people or any that are interested. C. W. S.
NOTES OF THE DISCUSSION IN KANSAS.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
From Oct. 10 to 16, seven days, I held a debate at Rock Creek, Kansas, with Eld. P. W. Shick, of the Disciple denomination. Eld. Shick came endorsed as one of their ablest men, as “the peer of the West.” I found him quite an able man so far as the argument was concerned, probably few would do any better. The only fault I found with him was that he was frequently very low and coarse in his language, and constantly endeavored to create a laugh. While this made it somewhat unpleasant for me, of course it did not help him any.
We discussed four questions; the seventh day, first day, the annihilation of the wicked, and the kingdom. Sometimes we are apt to be very particular about the exact wording of the question; but my experience is that it does not make very much difference about that. The debate always turns upon the merit of the question any way, and if an opponent endeavors to take unfair advantage of the verbal wording of the proposition it does not help him. However, we had no trouble on this point. Still it is quite often very important to have strict rules with regard to the discussion, such as, that the speakers shall be kept to the question, that they shall be confined to the Bible, and prohibiting abusive language. I found these rules very necessary in this debate. However, we got through with everything about as pleasantly as could be expected in a debate.
The first question was the seventh-day Sabbath, which was debated three days, two sessions each day. The substance of the question was, whether the seventh day was made a Sabbath at creation, and is now binding on all men. I propose to give only a brief outline of my main arguments, leaving the reader generally to look up the scripture references for himself.
That the Sabbath was made at creation, I proved by Mark 2:27, where Christ says “the Sabbath was made for man.” If the Sabbath was made, there was a time when, and a place where, and circumstances under which, it was made. Somebody made it, and made it for a definite object; and we may expect to find a plain history of it. Going clear back to the very first of the Bible, we find the record of how God made heaven and earth in six days. It tells very minutely what he did on each day. Then, in Gen. 2:1-3, we are told that God finished everything in six days and that he rested on the seventh day, blessed it, and sanctified it. This is a plain, chronological statement of what occurred on the first week of time. It tells very plainly that right there and then, God did rest on the seventh day, and did bless it and sanctify it. References to the origin of the Sabbath afterwards always refer right back to this time. Thus in the law, the Sabbath precept commences with the word “Remember,” pointing of course back to something previously known; and it directly says that they were to keep the Sabbath because God rested on that day after he had made the earth. Ex. 20:8-11; also Ex. 31:16, 17; Heb. 4:4. I showed also that the Sabbath was not made simply as a day of physical rest, nor as a day of worship, but primarily as the memorial of the creation, an institution by which man should always commemorate the work of creation. The other six days are called “working days.” Ez. 46:1; Ex. 20:8-11.
The Sabbath is not a Jewish institution, because it was given to Adam in Eden, and he was the representative head of our whole race. In giving it to him, God thereby virtually gave it the race, to all men. The fact that the Sabbath was given in Eden, before sin, before the fall, is evidence that it is not a temporary institution, is not for a limited time. The farther fact, that the Sabbath will be eternally kept in the new earth, confirms our opinion of the eternal nature of the Sabbath. Isa. 65:17; 66:22, 23. We have good evidence that the Sabbath was known and observed by the patriarchs. See Gen. 2:1, 3; 8:10-12; 29:27, where we learn that they reckoned time by weeks of seven days each. There is nothing in nature to mark the period of seven days, hence this custom plainly points to the keeping of the Sabbath.
The importance of observing the Sabbath was shown from the fact that the Jews were overthrown in the wilderness because they would not keep the Sabbath, Eze. 20:12, 13, and by the fact that Jerusalem was overthrown and the Jews sent into captivity for the violation of the Sabbath. Jer. 17:24-27; Neh. 13:17, 18. From Isa. 56, we showed that the Lord particularly designates the Gentiles and requires them to keep his Sabbath.
Eld. Shick claimed that the Sabbath originated with Moses and was a memorial of the deliverance from Egypt. This he endeavored to prove by Deut. 5:15. But we showed that the passover was a memorial of that event, and that the reason here stated for the observance of the Sabbath is also given for every other precept of the law. See Deut. 24:18-22; Lev. 19:35-37.
Eld. Shick said that God never cursed the Gentiles for breaking the Sabbath. This statement we showed to be false by Lev. 20:22, 23. The Elder found this a very hard text to grapple with; and though I urged him time after time to answer it, he made no reply to it. It states positively that the Lord cast out the heathen before them, because they had broken his law. He says they had broken all his commandments, and therefore he hated them. Thus the passage reads: “Ye shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them; that the land, whither I bring you to dwell therein, spue you not out. And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation which I cast out before you; for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.”
The Elder got himself into a bad position by quoting Neh. 9:13, 14, to prove that the Sabbath did not exist and was not made known to Israel till the exode; but by Ex. 20:5; 39:7, we showed that the same language was used with regard to God himself; hence, according to Eld. Shick the Lord himself did not exist till the time of Moses! He did not try that argument again.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
(To be Continued.)
LOOK AFTER THEM.
By A. S. Hutchins
BEFORE me is a list of subscribers for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES in Vermont. These subscriptions which have not expired, all do expire with Vol. 3-1. I have sent out the names of those within our T. and M. districts, to the directors. I have written to others out of the districts. From one man I received a card by return mail, saying, “I do not know who subscribed for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES sent me. I have been sick and nervous the past year, and cannot read much; so I cannot judge of the merits of the paper, and do not wish to subscribe for it another year.”
NOW the best Judges in T. and M. work, recommend corresponding with those to whom we send our papers, and learning whether those receiving them are interested in reading them. And if not, shift them to those who are. Indeed the proper way is to correspond with such persons before regularly sending our paper and ascertain whether they would read them if sent to their address. A few specimen copies could first be sent for them to read. Please look after the SIGNS you are sending to your friends in Vermont, and get them to subscribe for them if you can; and if not, and they are really doing good, the way is still open for you to continue to send them with many prayers that they may accomplish much good.
These papers must of course be discontinued at once if some one does not report to the SIGNS Office.