Darkness for Light by E. G. Rust

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 28, 1873

Darkness for Light.

By E. G. Rust

Learning that the Rev. A. J. Frost of the University Place Baptist church, on Douglas Place, had prepared a sermon on the Sabbath for the benefit of a Sr. Steinhauer, whom they had recently received into the church, but whose faith they could not shake on the Sabbath and other points, a few of us repaired to that place of worship on Sunday morning, Oct. 5, well supplied with tracts on the Sabbath question. He handled the subject very ably and craftily, often placing darkness for light. Among the points he made was the assertion that there was no positive command even for the seventh day, as, unlike the rest of the commands, it commenced with “Remember the Sabbath day,” referring to it as an existing institution. We ought not, therefore, to demand a positive command for the first day, inasmuch as we have the example set us of resting on that day, as well as the teaching of the Saviour and apostles. Again, there were certain reasons why the Jews should keep the seventh day, because they were brought out of bondage, &c. Again, as the Sabbath was made for man, and consequently man was greater than the Sabbath, therefore the Sabbath is flexible, and if more reasons exist for its change than its observance, man should have the advantage of the change.

He was well posted, having resided, I think, in a Seventh-day Baptist community for a time. He had a large and deeply interested audience. At the close of the sermon I arose and made a few remarks, stating that I was deeply interested in the dissemination of the truth upon this important subject, and had some tracts, one a sermon on the Sabbath by Eld. Littlejohn, and another entitled “Who changed the Sabbath?” which we would like to distribute if there was no objection. He very graciously bowed assent, and we placed them in the hands of nearly the entire congregation, who generally received them very pleasantly. I learn that his congregation have the reputation of being one of the most devoted and sincere in the city. May the dear Lord help some of them to come to the light and walk in it. I also learned that two professors in the University, one of Greek and the other of Hebrew, were both writing on the subject of the Sabbath, and had said they were going to visit her and convince her of her error. May the Lord use her as an instrument for confounding these great men, and opening their eyes to the truth.

E. G. Rust.