BIGOTRY RAMPANT by J. A. Killingsworth

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 6, 1877

BIGOTRY RAMPANT.

By J. A. Killingsworth

[The following report shows what experiences some of our brethren in the South are subjected to. Bro. Reese having shown himself favorable to the views taught by S. D. Adventists, was taken to task by his church in the following style.—Ed. Review.]

“To P. H. Reese.”

“You are hereby notified to be and appear at Mt. Hope church, on the fourth Saturday in October, 1877, to answer before the church conference to the following charges and specifications:—

“Charge 1. Disseminating unscriptural doctrine.”

“Specification 1. You, the said P. H. Reese, being a member and minister of said church, the same being a Congregational Methodist church, subscribing to the doctrine contained in the book of discipline of said church, and being a minister of said church, did on the second Sunday in September, 1877, and on divers other days and times, procure, advise, and assist one Taylor, professing to be a minister of a sect calling themselves ‘Seventh-day Adventists,’ to teach to the congregation and members of said church, and in the pulpit of said church, that the Christian Sabbath possessed no sanctity; that no one was under any obligations to observe and keep holy the said Sabbath day; and that it was sinful and wrong to labor on Saturday,—said doctrine being contrary to the Bible, and the doctrine of the Congregational Methodist Church.”

“Specification 2. That said P. H. Reese, at the times aforesaid, procured, advised, and permitted said Taylor to teach in said pulpit the doctrine that there will be no such thing as eternal punishment of the wicked after death; said doctrine being contrary to the Holy Scriptures, and the discipline of said C. M. Church.”

“Specification 3. That said P. H. Reese, at the times aforesaid, procured, advised, and permitted said Taylor to teach in said pulpit the doctrine that the Scriptures do not teach that the soul of man is immortal, but that said doctrine originated with Socrates, a heathen philosopher, said doctrine being contrary to the Holy Scriptures, and the discipline of said church.”

“Charge 2. Inveighing against the discipline of the C. M. Church.”

“Specification 1. That said P. H. Reese, at the times above stated, consented to, and procured, said Taylor to preach in said pulpit, attacking and disputing the doctrines and faith of said C. M. Church; the said P. H. Reese well knowing that two of the trustees of said church, and other members, and the pastor of said church, were unwilling for said Taylor to occupy said pulpit.”

“M. Pagett, Church Leader.”

Such are the proceedings that have been introduced against Bro. Reese.

Bro. Reese was at the church at the appointed time of trial; but the minister who (a lawyer also) wrote out the charges &c., was not present till the Sunday following, at which time, after the morning service was about concluded, he requested all the members who could to be present at next church conference (which is held the Saturday before each fourth Sunday), as business of importance would come before the church. At this time it is supposed the trial of Bro. R. will come off. Bro. Reese was called upon to preach on the day of trial by one of the brethren, no other minister being present. After a slight hesitation he consented. He gave a good advent sermon, in which he faithfully pointed to the Lamb of God, through whom alone the gift of immortality can be obtained when he comes in the clouds of Heaven.

Bro. R. meets bitter opposition; but the majority of the church are in favor of the stand he took. As he is on the defensive, it will be for them to prove the charges, and make it appear that Bro. Taylor preached anything contrary to the word of God. Dear friends, pray for us in our extremity; for the enemy is on the alert, and is aware that his strongholds are being assailed by that which beareth the victory.

J. A. Killingsworth.

Spalding Co., Ga.