Reports from the Field by R. A. Underwood, J. C. Bartlett

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Oct 23, 1879

Reports from the Field.

By R. A. Underwood, J. C. Bartlett

Solon, Ohio.

ELD. VOGEL came on the 20th, and spoke twice on the Sabbath question. We announced a review for the two following evenings. The Disciples kindly offered us their house, and Eld. Vogel remained to reply, which he did at the close of each discourse.

Eld. V. stated that he had learned some things by his discussion with Eld. Waggoner, and that some of the positions taken by himself in that debate were not correct. He made a labored effort to uproot the Sabbath in Eden, by trying to show that the days of creation were periods of thousands of years. He stated that the second and fourth commandments were not binding, because not found in the New Testament,—thus giving us the liberty to make and worship idols of gold, silver, wood, and stone; for where there is no law, there is no transgression. Rom. 4:15; 5:13.

He said that “God cut off all ten of the commandments and did not re-instate one of them; for he had no use for them whatever.” If this be true, the flood-gates of crime are opened to a fallen, sinful race, and God will have no means of bringing man to judgment. Rom. 5:13; James 2:12; Eccl. 12:13, 14.

This was a stronger dose than is generally administered by D. D.’s, so it must be sugar coated by saying that “this is a dispensation of grace, not bondage; of principles, not law.” But the Elder failed to give us chapter and verse where God has said that he will judge men by principles, and leave them to decide what those principles shall be. His effort only served to strengthen the cause.

The interest at North Solon remains good. One family have decided to obey, and others are on the point of decision. Pray for us.

R. A. UNDERWOOD, J. C. BARTLETT.

Sept. 30.