Present Truth in St. Lawrence
By Horace W. Lawrence
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The cause of present truth is still rising in this section. Some in St. Lawrence and Franklin counties have confessed the truth since the late conference in St. Lawrence Co. The brethren in that region seem to realize the importance of Gospel order in all the churches professing present truth and, I think, will, as a whole, more fully submit to all the testimony of Jesus Christ as necessary for our prosperity as the peculiar people of the Lord. I have recently spent some time with Bro. Edson who has visited the scattered flock in several towns, and spread the truth before the people in some new places. In Brandon, near where I live, Bro. Edson explained our present position, and six embraced the Sabbath and became interested in all the truth. In that place a Baptist Minister, by request of Sunday friends, presented the claims for Sunday as held by many, and attempted to enforce them by reference to the fourth commandment, stating that "The commandment does not read that God blessed and sanctified the seventh day;" and also added in his remarks that "God has not imparted a sanctity to a special period of the time." He also claimed a change from the seventh to the first day of the week by the apostles, and added, "He that tells us that the Pope changed the Sabbath will tell a lie. No man, except he is an ignoramus, will say that history shows a change later than the days of the apostles." Thus an attempt was made to make void the commandment by mere assertions. However, the whole subject was considered and the truth presented by Bro. Edson the same day; as his appointment stood for the same place that afternoon. As little reference was had to the forenoon meeting as possible; yet the perpetuity of the law and Sabbath was shown, and objections answered to the satisfaction of friends, and the advancement of the cause; as many of the congregation admitted the arguments presented in the last meeting. I remain a friend to the whole truth,
HORACE W. LAWRENCE.
Watson, N. Y., Oct. 25th, 1853.