A TYPICAL EXPERIENCE by C. H. Bliss

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Oct 4, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 40.

A TYPICAL EXPERIENCE.

By C. H. Bliss

"But neither so did their witness agree together."

It is characteristic of the heralds of truth that they agree in principle; but of the defenders of error that they disagree. The following from a minister of long experience presents a typical incident in Sunday defense among ministers who seek to uphold the unworthy institution of worthy past associations. We have omitted the names of the churches, but suffice to say they are all considered orthodox. Yet, as one listens, he will recall those who sought to witness against the Lord of the Sabbath; their testimony did not agree:

Some time ago the writer assisted in a series of tent meetings in a city in a western state. These meetings were largely attended, and many from the various churches became interested. The pastors soon became uneasy, fearing the results of our meetings, and decided to preach against us.

The first effort was put forth by the — pastor. He offered but little Scripture, but emphasized strongly the fact that to go back to "Saturday-keeping" would conflict with the laws of the land, and the universal custom of society, and would be against the financial interest of all. This strong appeal, tho without any Bible to support it, had its desired effect, and settled the disturbed consciences of many; and the congregation slept on.

One week later the — pastor endeavored to satisfy his people that time was lost. At some time, in the dim ages of the past, the calendar had become disarranged and no one could tell whether Sunday was the first or the seventh day of the week. Under the circumstances he thought it would be wise to hold onto the day they had always kept.

Then the pastor of the — church followed with a "strong sermon," fully satisfying his congregation that Christ changed the Sabbath from the seventh to the first day; and that from the New Testament and also from history we have abundant evidence for the change of the Sabbath; tho I noticed he did not produce this evidence. He also assured his people that Sunday is the resurrection day, the first day of the week, and is now the "Christian Sabbath."

A few days after this we were informed by some of the citizens that we had not heard "the big gun;" but if we would attend the services at the — church the following Sunday, we would hear the best scholar and orator in the city on the Sabbath question.

Of course we went, as we were anxious to gain any light on this question. His first words were:

"These pastors of the other churches who have been fighting the Adventists, have made a miserable failure in their effort to sustain a Sunday-Sabbath. Sunday is not, and never was, the Sabbath. The first day of the week is the Lord's day, but not the Sabbath. We meet and break bread on that day by the authority of the New Testament," etc. On the next day, through one of the city papers, the writer asked the following questions:

1. Where in the Bible, is the first day of the week called "The Lord's day?" 2. Where is there more than one instance of a religious meeting upon the first day of the week recorded in the New Testament? 3. Where is there more than one instance of the breaking of bread upon the first day of the week in New Testament time? 4. Of Christ, it is said, "As His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day." Luke 4:16. And of Paul it is said, "As his manner was [he], went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures." Acts 17:2. This shows the custom of Christ and the apostles. They observed the Bible Sabbath.

No one attempted to answer these questions. I am glad to report that a few souls accepted the truth, and are still faithful in the service of God. And by and by when the great gathering day shall come, says Jesus, I will "seek out My sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day." Praise God, the day of deliverance is near. The warfare will soon end and the glorious day of victory soon dawn.

A great blessing will then come to those who have stood nobly for the truth. C. H. BLISS. Montezuma, Ind.