Woodland, California by M. C. Israel

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 9, 1882

Woodland, California.

By M. C. Israel

Elder Van Horn commenced meetings at this place February 17. There has been a good interest from the first; seldom less than one hundred present. At the close of a meeting when the Sabbath question was presented, Elder Van Horn stated that the next evening he would discuss the claims made for the first day of the week, unless some minister in the place would like to do so, when Professor Martin, of the Christian College, made an appointment. He got rid of the Sabbath by the usual theory of abolishing the decalogue, and adopted Sunday from supposed Apostolic example. Elder Van Horn reviewed him and demolished his theory; but he replied the following evening and went over the same ground as at first, claiming that there was no such distinction as moral and ceremonial laws; that the yearly passover sabbaths came always on the seventh day, consequently the pentecost always came on the first day of the week, and that the sabbaths that were abolished at the cross (Col. 2:16), were the Sabbaths of the decalogue. He claimed that the decalogue was imperfect, and did not cover drunkenness, bigamy, and many other sins, and did not touch the heart of morality; that when Christ fulfilled it it was abrogated, it being the old covenant; that the human heart was the only thing in this dispensation that was holy. Elder Van Horn reviewed him again and showed up the fallacy of his position in such a way that nearly all present were fully convinced. The house was well filled. A temperance meeting was held by the club here, and well attended. Twenty-three signed the pledge. The Sunday Law tract has been sent to all the officers of the nine counties in this district, and to all the State officers. Several subscribers have been obtained for the Review. We expect Sister E. G. White, the first of the week, to assist in the meetings. They will continue over another Sabbath. We are laboring for a revival in the church, and that some of the interested ones may be converted and united with us. Pray for the work here.

Woodland, March 4. M. C. ISRAEL.