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Debate on the Ten Commandments

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 11, 1866

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 28, No. 15.

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Debate on the Ten Commandments

By I. D. Van Horn; R. J. Lawrence

From the Ohio Tent.

Since our last report, we have removed our tent from Bellville to Fredericktown, a distance of about ten miles. We left the cause in Bellville in a very good condition, though the work was not as clearly developed as we have seen it in other places. But we are so near by, that our work where we are now, is adding strength to the cause there. One of us attend their meeting every Sabbath, which is a great help to them. They have now a Sabbath School and Bible Class arranged, by which they are learning the truth quite readily.
A few days before we left Bellville, we received a challenge from Eld. Bulger, a United Brethren minister, who had been solicited by some of his friends to do so, to debate the following question: “Resolved, that the ten commandments, as given upon Mount Sinai, are binding upon Christians in the gospel dispensation.” After carefully considering what ought to be done, we concluded it would be far better for the cause of truth to enter into a discussion, than to refuse. We therefore sent word to the elder, that we were ready to meet him at any time he might set. Accordingly arrangements were made, and Wednesday evening, Aug. 22d, the debate commenced, and lasted till Friday evening, during which time we gave fifteen half-hour speeches apiece. I need not give the arguments that were brought forward to sustain the affirmative or negative of this question, for they are familiar to all the readers of the Review. Suffice it to say, that the elder admitted nine-tenths of the question, i. e., that nine of the commandments were binding, before the discussion closed, and then labored hard to prove by the teachings of men, that the first day of the week was the Christian Sabbath, which was not to the question; for if he had proved the first day to be the Christian Sabbath, it would not disprove the fourth commandment binding, hence it will be easy to see how the discussion closed.
The result of this debate was far better than we had anticipated; for some who were partly convinced before of their duty, came out and took a firm stand on the side of truth. A good impression was left on the minds of the unprejudiced, which leaves the way open for the truth to do its work in their hearts, that may induce them to begin sooner or later, to keep all the commandments of God. When I learned that the man I was to meet in discussion was an experiencedhand at it, and the one who had met Bro. Cornell in Portage some years ago, I had some fear as to the result. But the Lord helped, and we have good reasons to believe that much good was done, therefore the name of the Lord shall have all the praise.
Our meetings here in Fredericktown are prospering to the good of many. The truth is taking effect, and many are much interested. Yesterday, Sunday, was a good day with us. We had large congregations, and as we pointed out to them the testimony on the Mark of the Beast and Seal of God, and other subjects, we could plainly see that it was having the designed effect in the hearts of many. Pray for us that a good work may be done here in the name of the Lord. I. D. VAN HORN. R. J. LAWRENCE. Fredericktown, O.