Indiana: Laboring at Ligonier and a Challenged Discussion
By S. H. Lane
It has been some time since my last report. This has not been on account of any advancement on the part of the cause of truth. Most of the time since the close of our good camp-meeting, I have been laboring at Ligonier, Noble Co. While presenting the truth at that place last summer a great interest was awakened, and quite a number embraced our views, some of whom belonged to the Disciple denomination. Wishing to retain their members, they sent off and procured a representative man. He came on. We were waited upon by a committee and challenged to go into an immediate discussion. We stated to them that we would not under any circumstances discontinue our meetings for a discussion, nor would we discuss during the tent season, but would let them have the use of the tent, as we had offered it to any one who would attempt to disprove our position on the Sabbath question. That evening the elder was present at our meeting and announced that he would speak on the Sabbath question, at the Christian church, two evenings. We offered him the tent, but he declined accepting it. Several of the leading citizens publicly pressed him to accept, as it was much more commodious to hold meetings in than a church. Seeing that the majority of the leading citizens were in favor of his using the tent, he withdrew his appointments entirely. Before leaving town he came to the tent and challenged me to discuss with him after the close of the tent season. He presented two propositions which we accepted. The discussion commenced Oct. 20, continuing through nine sessions. Our opponent tried to show that the law has been abolished, and that we have now a new law enacted by the apostles. When pressed to produce the new law he quoted a few of the ten commandments as they are mentioned in Rom. 13: 9, and as the new code entire he presented a Greek Testament. He claimed that the first day of the week should be sacredly observed by Christians. This question was to occupy the last four sessions. When this question was reached, he stated to the congregation that he could produce all his proof-texts in two sessions, and then wished to close up. This we objected to, so four sessions were held; during the last two he did not produce a single new proof-text, but simply reaffirmed his positions on the former proposition. He most signally failed in both propositions, and the result has been to make the truth many friends. At the close of the discussion, it was announced that Eld. H. V. Reed, editor of the Restitution, would preach on the subject of the Sabbath question the next Sunday. Eld. R. did not, in the sermon we heard, attempt to show that any day should be sacredly observed. He claimed that the law was abolished, that S. D. Adventists contradict each other in their positions, and that the testimonies do not agree with the Bible, all of which he failed to prove. He handled these subjects in such a manner that all could see that his design was to tear down our positions, and at the same time build nothing up. Notwithstanding all these attacks by the enemies of the truth, those who have embraced it have been strengthened, and some have for the first time taken a stand with us. During the discussion and since, I have held meetings with the friends. First-day, Oct. 24, I baptized eight. From three to five hundred gathered at the water’s edge to witness the scene. The best of order was preserved. It was a precious season. The following first-day, I baptized six more—making fourteen in all during the meetings. The church now numbers thirty-three. Several additions are yet to be made. There are about fifty who observe the Sabbath and meet on that day for worship. Nov. 8, commenced a series of meetings in the Baptist church at Wolf Lake, Noble Co. Thus far, the people have turned out well, and an interest is springing up. The best of order is preserved, and the attention is complete. I hope, through the blessing of the Lord, a good work may be accomplished. S. H. LANE.