Sabbath, October 6 by Uriah Smith

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Oct 18, 1877

Sabbath, October 6.

By Uriah Smith

Good words were spoken on this day to the church and congregation in Battle Creek, by Sister White. Her text was Matt. 24:37–39; and the discourse, a comparison of the days of Noah with our own times. A vivid picture was drawn of the skepticism, infatuation, and fearful doom of the antediluvians. The reproduction of the picture in many features of our own times was shown to be very striking. The insanity of men and women who are making a god of this world was graphically depicted, the men deforming themselves with gross and sensual indulgences, drinking, tobacco and gluttony, and the women with frivolity and fashion. An earnest and solemn appeal was made to those professing Christ to flee these things, to shun pride and the disgusting deformities of fashion, and spend more time in searching the prophecies than at the mirror, in the vain and foolish work of adorning the person.

The house was filled to its utmost capacity, and a profound impression was made upon the audience.

In the afternoon the work recommended by the General Conference for the regular church quarterly meetings was attended to. Thirty-six united with the church. In that portion of the meeting devoted to social exercises, some most excellent exhortations were given. To listen to the testimonies of so many young men and women, of sterling moral worth, and almost infinite promise, declaring their love for the truth, that they had enlisted in the work for life, that their aims, their hopes, their ambitions and their aspirations, were all involved in this cause, and that if this were taken away, nothing would be left—this was an inspiring scene, and a pleasure beyond the power of language to express.

In the evening the ordinances were celebrated. Here again we were favored with the presence of Brother and Sister White.

While engaged in the ordinance set forth in John 13, it was a joy to think that we shall soon see Him who gave us this proof of his willingness to humble himself for our sakes, and who has left us this example that we should follow in his steps. What an infinite satisfaction then will it be to us that we have tried to do as he directed us in his precious word. The sacred emblems which show how Christ’s body was broken and his blood spilt for us, lose none of their preciousness; but as often as we partake of them, we feel that we are engaged in an ordinance that is appropriate to Adventists alone, showing “the Lord’s death till he come.”

Admonished by the chill of approaching winter, Brother White returns to the mild climate of California. As he and Sister W. again leave us, the prayers of this people go with them that their going may be a mutual blessing to themselves and the cause on the Pacific coast, and that in due time they may return to us in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

U. S.