p. 15 | New York by C. O. TAYLOR

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 24, 1873

New York.

By C. O. TAYLOR

PITCAIRN is one of the southern towns in St. Lawrence Co., N. Y. The population in 1870 was 667. One year ago, there were six Sabbath-keepers in the town. Three of these were Adventists, and have been for years. One of the others was partly inclined that way. At the present date, May 28, 1873, there are twenty-three Sabbath-keepers. Nineteen of the number are Adventists. This town, during the last year, has been much stirred on the Sabbath and other Bible truths. Bro. H. H. Wilcox labored in teaching the word, in the west part of the town, last fall. As the result, a church of nine was organized. Others have joined since, as he has reported. I came here to baptize and to assist in organizing. I then went to the east part of the town and labored in several districts, also in the town of Fine, in an adjoining district. Some twenty commenced to keep the seventh-day. Elder Prentice of the seventh day Baptist order, from Adams Center, discussed the Sabbath two days in another part of the town; the first day, with a Disciple, the next, with a Baptist minister. They both took the position, the Sabbath was not known till after the exode from Egypt; the ten commandments are abolished; with other unscriptural positions that are common to that theory. All of which was shown to be error when brought to the Bible and examined in its light. The Sabbath gained in the minds of the candid during these two days. Its origin and perpetuity were made very clear and plain by Elder P. But, alas! some do not act on their own judgment, or according to their convictions. Last first-day was a good day for the cause of present truth here; nine received the ordinance of baptism, made pleasant by a beautiful day and a good place, and sacred by the presence of the Spirit of God. I trust the solemn vows will never, never, be forgotten, and that the dear ones will ever remember that they there declared themselves dead to sin. May they from henceforth live for the next life, that comes through Christ, who is the resurrection and the life. Yesterday, eleven covenanted to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Three others will join them in a short time. $25.60 was pledged to be paid before our next Conference, which, considering their circumstances, was very liberal. Our brethren from the west part of the town were with us on Sabbath and first-day, adding to the interest by their testimonies. We were also cheered by the presence of some of our seventh-day Baptist brethren and their warm and earnest testimonies for God’s holy law and Sabbath.

The denominations of the town are Baptist, Methodist, Disciple, and Congregationalist, all of whom have opposed, and hindered from obeying God and keeping his Sabbath. Yet some did believe, and dared to obey. Among the number, was Eld. D. Durland, a retired Baptist minister, now in his eightieth year. By reading some of the first writings of Wm. Miller, some thirty years ago, he became interested in the second coming of Jesus. For thirty years, he has occupied the no-Sabbath ground. It is quite evident that God has been preparing him for other truth and duties. He soon saw that the Sabbath was binding, and, with his wife, commenced keeping it, with the other commandments of God’s law which he has ever considered sacred and binding. He is well-read in the Bible, has been zealous for the right, was a warm supporter of the downtrodden and oppressed, in the days of American slavery. He was chosen leader of the Sabbath meetings, and superintendent of the Bible-class. He is truly a father in Israel, and, as such, will be a great help to those who have received and obey the truth. C. O. TAYLOR.