Oceola, Iowa by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 31, 1871

Oceola, Iowa.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THREE weeks ago Bro. Butler and Bro. Ings left here, and I remained alone with the tent one week and then took it down. I have spent most of my time looking after the building of the meeting-house. With the blessing of God we are getting along well with it. We begin lathing to-day, and hope to plaster in a very few days. We hope to be able to dedicate it as early as the middle of November, when we desire to have a large and general gathering here from all the surrounding counties. Notice will be given in the REVIEW in time. On taking down the tent we tried to get the Disciple church for Sabbath meeting till our house was done, but failed, though it was unoccupied. We were also voted out of the Protestant Methodist house. We have had a warm time for three weeks past. First the Presbyterian minister preached against the Sabbath; the next Sunday all the churches suspended services and heard the Methodist minister on the same. I reviewed him, he replied, and I reviewed him again. Then all the churches turned out to hear the Baptist minister on the same subject. When I reviewed him, he denied, and took back the main points which he had advanced, making himself very ridiculous. His positions were, 1. The Sabbath instituted at creation on the seventh day and kept till the exode. 2. Then the sixth day was given to the Jews. 3. The commandment is indefinite, requiring only one-seventh of our time. 4. The Sabbath changed back to the old seventh day at the resurrection. In short, it was Akers’ theory poorly handled. The Methodist took about the same position. The Baptist strongly insinuated that the ten commandments were abolished; but indignantly denied holding such sentiments when I reviewed him.

Last Wednesday I began a debate with a Disciple minister, Eld. Bonnan, on two questions. I affirmed that the seventh day is now binding on man. We opened in the Campbellite church. Of course he claimed the law abolished, and the first night made quite an impression before I had time to answer him, as he paid no attention to my arguments, but threw in a lot of objections, as the two covenants, 2 Cor. 3, &c. His friends were triumphant. But the remarkable part of it was, the Baptist minister and some of his leading members were present, and by nods and smiles most heartily indorsed the very thing he had so indignantly denied but two days before; viz., the abolition of the law. So well were they pleased that the next day the Baptist church was offered and accepted for the debate.

Here was a man tearing down the law, abolishing all Sabbath, and declaring that there is no holy day at all; he could be welcome to occupy the best church in town if he could only overthrow the Adventists. I did not neglect to show this up in all its bearings. It soon appeared that the elder had used all his arguments the first night, and that he was failing entirely. This was not so flattering. So, Saturday evening, we all went to the Baptist church to continue the debate, but, lo, and behold! it was locked. So we had to return to the other church. This amused us very much.

The elder affirmed that the Christian Scriptures make it obligatory upon Christians to meet upon the first day of every week and break bread. Of course no man could prove such a proposition as that. He only claimed two texts as proving it; viz., Acts 20:7 and 1 Cor. 16:2. It was amusing to see him work for three sessions on so small material! We do not boast at all when we say that the truth gained a complete victory. To the Lord be the glory. We have more and stronger friends here now than before; and among these are many of the leading business men of the city.

Two weeks ago I went to Peru and held two very pleasant and encouraging meetings with them. They have had some trials, but do not waver in the truth. They are now taking hold in good earnest to finish their meeting-house. We design to dedicate it soon after the one at Oceola.

Our experience at Oceola has confirmed us in the decision never to hold a debate till our course of lectures is over. There a man was on hand for a debate before our tent was pitched; but we refused to discuss anything with anybody till our regular course was over. Then the people know what we believe and why. They have heard on the other side all their lives; it is but reasonable.

To-day I go home for a short stay, after an absence of nearly four months; shall return soon. Also Bro. Butler will be here next week.

For a time last spring I feared that I should be compelled to stop preaching on account of physical disability; but by the blessing of God I have now almost entirely recovered from it; so that I have seldom had better health. I feel much encouraged.

The truth looks clearer and better continually. There can be no reasonable doubt that it is the work of God. Victory is not far ahead. I often almost despair when I remember my sins and errors; but I hope in the mercy of a good God. My heart longs for the better land. I am weary of this world of sin and disappointment. O that my Lord would come. But be it short or long, I am determined to fight on, struggle on, till I see the end in peace. My address now will be Monroe, Iowa.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

October 16.