DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Last Fall I met Bro. A. A. Dodge at a conference at Oswego, Ind., that informed me that you were publishing a paper at Rochester, N. Y., entitled, "The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald." He proposed to write and order the paper for me, which I received in due time. Our interview was short; but I found him to be firm in the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. I was much cheered from his acquaintance, and the information he gave of the spread of the truth. I was glad to meet one of like precious faith, and embrace him in the hope of the gospel, a privilege I had not enjoyed for years.
The Advent band here, that formerly [in 1847] stood on the "commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus," have become scattered. Some have made shipwreck of their faith, some have been overcome by intoxicating liquor, some have made a trip to California, while others have learned to pronounce "dominical day," "nailed to the cross," "blotting out the hand-writing of ordinances that was against us." Others say that under the new dispensation we are left to do just as we are a mind to, as it regards days, but very careful to keep Sunday as the Pope directs, and after Protestant usages, "Babel" for sure! about as much agreement as was in the testimony given at the trial of Jesus of whom it is said "but their witness agreed not together." Mark xiv, 5.
How plain the testimony of the Lord our God; "Remember the Sabbath to keep it holy." "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God."—"The conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man." "The Sabbath was made for man." "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city." Thus agree the witnesses of the Bible, that makes known "the sign" of the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth, to his people "that he doth sanctify." No jar, nor confusion of tongues, nor any such thing, but all speak the same thing, and mind the same thing. This looks like a people of a pure language, heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, that will finally inherit all things. Praise his holy name.
Well Brother, I am alone (save my wife) on the Sabbath of the Lord our God, in this region of country. I have not met any one since Bro. Bates visited here, a few years since, until last Fall, when I spent one evening with Bro. Dodge. How changed! A few years ago there was, at Oswego a humble, loving, commandment doing band, where I could meet and pray with, and exhort, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. But now I do not. I tried a few times after they fell back to Sunday, but for me to go out on Friday as our manner was, and rest over the Sabbath, while they were making preparations for Sunday, was not very congenial to my mind, for divine worship.
As it regards the paper, I am well pleased with it. Bro. Edson's article on the Sabbath is good. How clear the testimony, that the fourth commandment makes known the Maker of heaven and earth, and therefore a sign between the Lord and the children of Israel for ever. Ex. xxxi, 17.