Tent Meetings and Sabbath Debate in Indiana
Warrington, July 21, Tent No. 2.—The interest seems to be on a constant increase. About fifty were present at our meeting last Sabbath. Some are keeping the day. Last Wednesday evening a Baptist minister spoke on the subject of the “Christian Sabbath.” He took the position that Christ came to keep the law for us; but before he concluded his remarks he affirmed that Christ broke the law in many instances, and commanded others to do the same. The friends of Sunday are dissatisfied with his attempt. We reviewed the discourse Thursday evening, before a large audience. Books sell freely, and quite liberal donations are made. We ask the prayers of God’s people, that much good may be done here. J. M. Rees.
J. S. Shrock.
V. Thompson. Arcadia, Tent No. 3, July 21.—Sixteen have signed the covenant, and others are yet undecided. A victory has just been gained for the truth over one Eld. Frazier, a Christian (Campbellite) minister, who was imported for the occasion. He first organized opposition meetings; then gave out for a review of our Sabbath position, which we attended. I reviewed at the tent, the Elder being present. At the close of the discourse, he, in presence of our large audience, challenged us for debate. The audience voted in favor of this, and no alternative was left us but to meet the same. Two propositions were agreed upon; one on the Sabbath, the other on the Sunday question. Three sessions were held of two hours each, excepting the last one, when the Elder found twenty-five minutes sufficient to introduce all his arguments in favor of Sunday. Bro. Covert made good use of all the time allowed him, and gained a complete victory for the truth. To God be all the praise. Sabbath and first-day, July 12, 13, we held a grove meeting at Wolf Lake, Noble Co. There was quite a general turnout of the Sabbath-keepers in the county. The meetings all day on the Sabbath were especially good. Nearly all took part in the social meetings. On first-day, from three hundred to five hundred were present. Some came from ten to fifteen miles with teams. The best of attention was given to the word spoken. During the short intermissions two or three young sisters canvassed the congregation, and obtained several subscribers for our papers. In the afternoon the large congregation repaired to the banks of Wolf Lake, where four were baptized. The church at Wolf Lake have just erected the foundation for their meeting-house, 32x44. The building will be rapidly pushed forward. There will be two meeting-houses in this Conference ready to be dedicated the coming fall. Held meetings at Ligonier, July 14, 15. These meetings seemed to do much good. Celebrated the ordinances the evening of July 15. Bro. Sanford Rogers, of La Fayette, was with me at all these meetings, and aided much in speaking, and in the business and social meetings. Our labors with tent No. 1, at Warsaw, closed July 6. The interest from the first was not good. We met much prejudice and secret opposition. Only a few embraced the truth. One subscribed for the REVIEW, and we sold $5.00 worth of books. The donations were more than our running expenses. Held a meeting with them last Sabbath, July 20. Had a good meeting. We are now with the tent at Silver Lake, twelve miles south of Warsaw. The interest is the best of the season. The people are very friendly. We have many invitations to visit. The Sabbath question has made a stir. The end is not yet.