Illinois Quarterly Meeting at Monroe and Vogel Debate
By R. F. Andrews
The quarterly meeting at Monroe, Wis., was an excellent meeting. I was greatly cheered by meeting with those dear brethren, some of whom I had not seen for nearly two years. It was also a pleasure to meet with Bro. Sanborn once more. Jan. 22-26, was engaged in a discussion with Eld. Peter Vogel, Disciple minister. The questions discussed were, the Sabbath and the first day of the week. Eld. V.'s brethren think that he is a wonderful man. They boast of him as one of the best, if not the very best scholar ever produced by their college at Eureka, Ill.; and it was evident to all that he considered his brethren correct in their judgment in his case. The common version, when in his way, was set aside, and a translation of his own took its place. The authority of Doddridge, Clarke, Macknight, Wesley, and even Campbell, the founder of his own denomination, was set aside by him as perfectly worthless, when in conflict with his views. In a word, he transcended all authority. He was assisted by Prof. Braden of the Southern Illinois College. So, if boasting and arrogated learning could show the non-existence of the Lord's Sabbath, and the binding force and sacredness of the first day of the week, it certainly would have been done here. But he most assuredly made a complete failure, even in the estimation of his own brethren. They did not express this in words, but by a more forcible testimony, viz., in their actions. Before the contest commenced they were perfectly jubilant, and certain of victory. It would have reminded you of the army of the Philistines with defiant Goliath at their head. But when their champion had fallen, and the absurdities of their position became apparent, their jubilant, triumphant feelings gave place to wrathful ones, which cling to some of them still, evincing most clearly that this matter did not terminate as they had expected. I never more fully realized the strength and impregnability of the truth, and the weakness on the side of the opposition. I often asked myself during the debate, “What could I do, had I the other side of this question to defend?” I am more than ever convinced of the sacredness and binding force of God's holy Sabbath, and that Sunday-keeping is a human tradition that makes void the commandments of God. I would here state that Bro. Whitham, of Aledo, rendered effectual service during the debate, by his criticisms on the Greek. I also had the help of my dear fellow-laborer, Bro. T. M. Steward. But it is to the truth, and the God of truth, “who has chosen the weak things to confound the mighty,” that the praise belongs. Blessed be his name, what a treasure he has given his people, in giving them the light on his holy Sabbath. Oh! that we may be faithful to the sacred trust reposed in us. Feb. 2-12, labored with the brethren near Aledo. These dear brethren and sisters love the truth. What a change in their neighborhood in the short space of one year. Then there was but one family that kept God's Sabbath in the vicinity, now a large assembly meet together every Sabbath. Houses where the voice of prayer was not heard then, have now become houses of prayer. The Lord has wrought wonderfully for his people. The outside interest never was better than at present. I am satisfied that a thorough course of lectures delivered there now, would be attended with the best of results. I obtained eleven new subscribers for the Review, besides some for the Instructor and Reformer. Six precious souls took their stand with God's people on his commandments. May the Lord help this dear people to always gather with Christ and never scatter abroad. Feb. 16-23, held meetings with the brethren at Rockton, and Roscoe. The quarterly meeting was well attended. There were brethren present from Avon, Oakland, Johnstown, Whitewater, Clinton, Crane's Grove, and Beaver. The Lord met with us graciously, and we all felt that it was good to try to draw near unto him. It is blessed to enjoy the society of God's people here. May the Lord help us so to live, that we may enjoy their society eternally. If we fail of everlasting life, what a loss! Lord, help us to realize it. I preached, during my stay, twice at Roscoe. There are a few here that love the commandments of God, and desire the salvation of their friends and neighbors. May they ever be faithful. Feb. 23-27, at Greenvale. This meeting was not as large as we expected, owing to bad roads and disagreeable weather; but the Lord was pleased to meet with us, and let his blessing graciously rest upon us. Outside prejudice is evidently giving way, and there are ears to hear there now, that would not hear one year ago. There were six young people that took their stand with their parents to live in the service of the Lord. Oh! that they may be valiant soldiers, and prove faithful till the Master comes. While attending the above meetings, there were two things that encouraged us much. First, the giving up of prejudice among the people, and secondly, the missionary spirit among the brethren. May the great Head of the church arouse us to a true sense of the responsibility that rests upon us. We have not as yet organized a missionary and tract society in our Conference. This will be done at our next Conference. Till then let each and all do all in their power to interest all they can and draw them to the truth. As some are anxious to know where our Conference and camp-meeting are to be held this year, I would state that the committee have decided that near Aledo, Mercer Co., Ill., is the best place to hold it. This is a point easy of access to all. Let us lay our plans, and make our calculations to attend this gathering of the people of God.