p. 171 | A STRAW | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 30, 1878

A STRAW.

The following communication has been handed us signed by one of the M. E. preachers in attendance at the Conference mentioned. It shows that the discussion held at Rome, N. Y., between Bro. Canright and Rev. Fred Widmer, left some impressions on the mind of the latter which he has not yet forgotten; and it also shows that the so-called Sabbath-reform has just the opposition that is necessary to give it a healthy growth. The name of the preacher can be given, if necessary. Here is the document:—

“Quite a sensation was caused on the floor of the Northern New York M. E. Conference, at Rome, N. Y., Apr. 13, when the committee on Sabbath observance brought in their report. A resolution to condemn the practice of cheese-making and butter-making on the first day of the week caused some discussion. An amendment was then proposed, adding sugar-making to the resolution, which was seconded. The Rev. Fred Widmer, one of the members of the Conference, then arose, and stated, substantially, that inasmuch as no particular day was rigidly adhered to by the Christian Church during the first three hundred years from the apostles’ times, and the observance of no day was rigidly enjoined to be kept until Constantine’s reign, he thought it was a subject to be investigated; that we might determine, first, whether we ought not to keep the seventh day in place of the first, and as there was no evidence in the Scriptures or history that the first day was the day observed, it would be extreme to pass such a resolution. His remarks were responded to very ardently by Revs. E. W. Jones, S. Call, and A. J. Cowles, regretting the introduction of such sentiments, and protesting against the views advanced by Bro. Widmer.

“The resolution, with the amendment, was passed, and the report adopted.”

M. H. BROWN.