REPORT FROM BRO. RODMAN.
By P. C. Rodman
We have been here now about six weeks. Have given in the time fifty-seven discourses, and visited nearly every family in the place, and some of them a number of times; also, some out of the place that were interested. Sickness among the people and bad weather hindered us from meeting at different times more than a week. There had been quite an interest to hear by nearly all, until the Methodist minister tried to show that the first-day was the Sabbath, and Bro. Haskell reviewed him. This strengthened the prejudice of some to that degree that they staid away from our meetings; but others came in, still interested to hear more on the truth, not being satisfied with the minister's reasons for Sunday-keeping; for he stated plainly that there was no direct command in the New Testament for keeping Sunday; but gave about the same reasons usually advanced for not keeping the day named in the fourth commandment, and observing another day in its stead, adding one or two reasons that I do not remember of ever having heard before, why we should not keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, but a day not even mentioned in it, and for which, as he himself admitted, there is no command in the Bible: 1. Christ was Lord of the temple, and abolished it; hence, being Lord of the Sabbath, he changed it. But Bro. Haskell met, and showed the absurdity of, this reasoning, by referring to the fact, 1 Pet. iii, 6, that Abraham was lord of Sarah, which would show that Abraham could abolish, or destroy, Sarah. 2. One reason for Sunday-keeping was, Who knows but that Jesus told the disciples, when with them forty days after his resurrection, that Sunday was the Christian Sabbath? This was answered by Matt. xxiv, 20, where Jesus recognizes the Sabbath of the fourth commandment A. D. 70, as really as he does the seasons of the year. Nearly all that were keeping the Sabbath, were confirmed, and some that before had not been able to decide what was truth on the question, saw the lack of Bible for Sunday, and, we hope, will obey the truth, and enjoy the liberty that David did when he said, “I will walk at liberty, for I seek thy precepts.” Ps. cxix, 45. The interest to hear remains good with the most that have attended our meetings, and I think others will yet embrace the truth, if those that have embraced it move in faithfulness, and keep up good courage. Bro. H. leaves to-day, duty calling him home. I remain another week, and then remove as appears right. I hope to have the prayers of God's dear people, that I may know and do all his will cheerfully, and be among the saved at last. P. C. RODMAN.