Matherton, Mich by E. B. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 13, 1872

Matherton, Mich.

By E. B. Lane

A few weeks ago it was extensively circulated and published, that Eld. H. T. Barnaby would preach at Matherton on the subject of the Christian Sabbath. By invitation, I went to hear and review his discourse. Eld. B.'s first effort was two hours in length, during which I was forcibly reminded of an article recently published in the Health Reformer, entitled, “Simon's Wife's Mother.”

At Potterville, in a public discussion of three evenings, Eld. B. spent nearly all his time trying to show that the ten commandments were the old covenant, and that they had been superseded by a new covenant, which was nine of the ten commandments re-enacted.

All this effort was to get rid of the fourth command, which requires the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. He did not seem to consider that he was proving himself a no-Sabbath man; for if the authority for keeping the Sabbath does not come from that precept, we certainly have none at all, at least he was not able to show a command for Sunday. Six speeches were employed for the purpose of establishing the above positions, omitting almost entirely his reasons for Sunday-keeping if he had any.

I had heard the same things repeated over and over, in the discussion; still, to my surprise, at Matherton, Sunday at 10:30 A. M., I was again favored for two hours with the same, and again at 8:30 P. M., for one and one half hours longer, he not advancing one new idea, as I could discover. I think I could review him in the future one day in advance of his discourse.

In my reply, I maintained with him that the ten commandments are called God's covenant commanded, but denied that it can be shown from the Bible that the ten commandments are ever called the old covenant, or referred to as the covenant abolished.

I sustained this denial from the following considerations: There are several covenants spoken of in the Bible.

1. Promises are called covenants; e. g., God promised Noah that he would never drown the world again. This promise he calls a covenant, and places a bow in the clouds as a token of that covenant. Also the promises God makes with Abraham are called a covenant. 2. Agreements are called covenants; e. g., God makes an agreement with Israel at Horeb or Sinai, recorded in Ex. 19:4-8. Also the agreement between Abraham and Abimelech was called a covenant.

3. A law commanded is likewise called a covenant commanded; e. g., the ten commandments, Deut. 4:13. Since the word covenant has such a broad application we may properly inquire in what sense the term covenant is applied to the one abolished, and which, if any, of those above specified, is the one.

My opponent did not differ with me in considering the covenant abolished to be an agreement; that it was made at Sinai or Horeb, and that covenant there and then made is now superseded by the new covenant, wherefore the only point to be determined is which one of the above, if any, will meet all the specifications of the old or abolished covenant. He also claimed that it is the covenant commanded or ten commandments. This is not possible for the following reasons:

1. The covenant that was abolished had its origin at Sinai or Horeb. The principles and precepts of the ten commandments date a great way back of that, even as far back as creation. They therefore cannot be identical.

2. The covenant abolished was an agreement made between God and Israel. The ten commandments are not an agreement in any sense, but precepts commanded.

3. The covenant or agreement abolished was made concerning the ten commandments or voice of God. Ex. 19:4-8; 24:8. How could the old covenant be made concerning the moral law and yet be the moral law itself?

4. The old covenant was made with the Jews. The Gentiles were never as a nation connected with that covenant; yet the Gentiles showed the work of the law written in their hearts, giving them conscience, Rom. 2:12-16, thus showing a difference between the two.

5. Paul makes a clear distinction between the giving of the law and covenants, Rom. 9:4. If they were the same, no such distinction could be properly made.

6. David calls the law of the Lord perfect. Ps. 19:7. Paul speaks of the old covenant as faulty. They cannot be identical—one perfect, the other faulty.

7. The old covenant is abolished, certainly the ten commandments are not.

We argued and proved that the covenant abolished was the agreement between God and Israel at Sinai, recorded in Ex. 19:4-8. The reason of its abolition was because of the default of Israel.

In our affirmative arguments for the Bible Sabbath, we proved that it originated at the close of creation week; that God gave it to Adam by divine commandment. That the law containing the Sabbath was observed all through the patriarchal age, and that Israel had a knowledge of the Sabbath and observed it before the law was proclaimed from Sinai; and when there proclaimed, it claimed its obligation from creation, and based its origin on facts occurring there.

We called on Eld. B. to show from the Bible a commandment for the observance of the first day of the week, or any evidence that God, Christ, or his apostles, ever rested, blessed, or sanctified, that day, making it sacred time. But he utterly failed to show one point required of him, nor did he even try.

Eld. B. intimated at the close of his forenoon discourse that he would continue the subject at night, I requested him to divide the time with me, or speak at an early hour, giving me a chance to reply before the same congregation, neither of which would he do; but, commencing his meeting at about half past eight, he did not close till after ten, and thus deprived me of the opportunity to review him unless at an unreasonable hour.

His effort at night was a repetition of what he had so often given before, which I had sufficiently noticed in the forenoon. Had it not been for much abuse and falsehood repeated by him I should not have cared to notice his last effort at all. I considered it my duty as well as privilege to make proper correction of false statements. I earnestly solicited the opportunity of making a few statements before the meeting closed, but was denied, he dismissing the audience. I then called the house to order. All seemed willing to listen except the elder and a few of his friends who withdrew, doubtless expecting the congregation to follow. But in this he was disappointed, and so returned to hear for himself. Although I was under the painful necessity of calling him to order a number of times, still I was glad to address him personally. Some of his remarks were low and contemptable abuse, which I should be ashamed to put in print. When I corrected it before the audience he said he would not be responsible for it, but gave it as hearsay; still he stood responsible for it, by repeating it, thereby giving it credence.

I would not mention these facts if it were not for the purpose of informing our brethren what they may expect under similar circumstances, unless he reforms, if he takes it upon him to preach against us in other places, as at Matherton. This man is a member of our state Legislature; has been, and I think now is, the presiding elder of the United Brethren church; all of which gives him influence.

The people of M. sent for an able man to build up the first day Sabbath, and when he came, lo! he tries to set aside the only command that enjoined a Sabbath, and gives none in its stead, leaving them without command or Sabbath either. I fear for such men and their followers in the great day. I pray that God may yet open their eyes to behold wondrous things out of his law.

I returned from Matherton and joined tent labor again at Almont. Our meetings there have been faithfully reported by Bro. Lamson. I have never enjoyed a tent season more than this. The Lord has truly been with us, and I believe a great and good work has been accomplished.

We have removed the tent to Holly, from which I am absent for a few days. Bro. Lamson remains at Almont to follow up the work there, so that the burden of the work at Holly rests on Bro. H. M. Kenyon. Bro. K. is proving himself a strong and efficient laborer in the cause. Oh! that God would raise up many strong men to fill the calls that come in from all parts of the field.

The appeals for labor in all directions are abundant and most earnest. It is heart-rending to have to turn a deaf ear to them; especially is this true of Tennessee and other parts of the South. My heart aches for the interest of the cause in the South. I hope that the day is not far distant when many of our young men who have ability and devotion to the work will feel a burden for those new fields, which to me look very promising.

Our tent at Holly is pitched opposite the Christian church, and but a few feet from it. Being so near, we feared conflicting meetings; but to our surprise, Eld. Noble, of that church, withdrew all of their appointments while we should remain, that he himself might attend and give his congregation the same privilege. Our tent affords but little protection in storm, so we can have no meetings in the tent if the weather is bad. In view of this, Eld. Noble has kindly and generously invited us to use their church on all occasions when storm prevents the use of the tent. I believe this man to be a God-fearing Christian, and pray, with him, that God will show them the whole truth. Like the oasis on the desert are such men, when nearly all ministers oppose our work, and that often in a wicked and malicious manner.

My courage in the Lord is good. I have never felt a deeper interest in the work than I now feel. I hope we may be instrumental in bringing many to the saving truths of the third angel's message. God's blessing is with the labor of the tents this season in this State. Two quite large congregations of Sabbath-keepers have already been raised up, and our prospects are bright for the future. Do not forget our labors in your prayers. Remember especially those who have strength amid so much opposition to come out and embrace these unpopular doctrines. God's great cause is one everywhere. Never forget in your prayers all its wants and interests. E. B. LANE.

Battle Creek, July 31, 1872.