p. 132 | MEETINGS IN THE WEST by Wm. S. Ingraham

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 17, 1859

MEETINGS IN THE WEST.

By Wm. S. Ingraham

DEAR BRO. SMITH: A few facts in regard to the cause where I have labored this winter may be interesting to the readers of the Review. I have visited the following places: Monroe, Cadiz, Crane's Grove, Round Grove, &c. The cause in Monroe is somewhat cheering. I think we can safely say we are gaining ground. Six in Monroe and vicinity have lately embraced the Sabbath of the Lord, and others are somewhat interested in the investigation of the truth. I am satisfied, notwithstanding we are encouraged in relation to the cause in Monroe, that we need gospel discipline and strait testimony, to bring us to that position we should occupy as a people.

In the town of Cadiz our meetings have been very interesting. Our congregations were large and attentive. Here we had much opposition from ministers of different denominations. Elds. Reed, Curry, Gould and J. M. Stephenson did what they could to prejudice the people against us. Eld. Curry took some exceptions to our views of the kingdom of God, and preached a sermon against us. I reviewed him the next Sunday evening. Our congregation was very much crowded, and many stood listening at the windows. The weather was cool, and those that could not get into the house built a large fire out doors near the house, and listened to the review with attention. It was apparent that the people were satisfied that we had the truth on this point. Eld. Reed did little else than cry, False prophets, Clouds without water, &c. This slang passed for what it was worth in the same coin, being of the bogus kind. Eld. J. M. Stephenson was sent for by one of his friends to preach against us. He crowded in an appointment to preach on the law and Sabbath. His first lecture was about three hours and a half on the law. His second lecture was particularly confined to the Sabbath. His arguments were somewhat new to the people, but nothing new to us. I think he has made some improvement since his discussion with Bro. Waggoner at Crane's Grove, for he admitted that some of the commandments were binding under the gospel dispensation, and referred to Matt. xix, 16-19 as proof. In referring to this testimony, he said that the commandments quoted to the young man were enforced by Christ and incorporated into the new constitution.

But this assertion was not much in his favor, for he had the commandments above quoted, enforced and incorporated into the new constitution before the law were abolished. When the ten commandments were done away, what became of J. M. S.'s new constitution? Is not such reasoning glorious? I think he must have a vail over his face, and cannot see to the end of that which is abolished! The course he pursued in this place did not reflect much honor upon himself, as a minister of Jesus Christ. In his first discourse he could not keep himself within the bounds of christian courtesy, but it was twit, and fling, and throw out about E. G. White's visions, James White, Sanborn, and J. H. Waggoner was referred to many times. After he closed his second lecture, I asked the privilege of making a few remarks. It was granted. I told the people that I had been held before them in a false light, and it was just for me to explain some things. I said a few words and sat down. Eld. J. M. S. replied. His reply was abusive. I spoke again, and he attempted a reply. He said he would have the last word if he staid until midnight. On asserting this, a gentleman present cried out, "I'll not stay to hear you until midnight!" "Come boys," said he, "let us go home." J. M. S. replied by saying, Go home then! In this manner his meeting closed. I reviewed his lectures, and the result was good. Some came out on the truth, and are living witnesses in its favor. Many more have confessed the truth, but as yet dread the cross. O, Lord, give them strength, is my prayer, to keep the holy Sabbath. There is much interest to hear the present truth. Calls come from every quarter.

I am satisfied that we as a people must have more of the good Spirit in order to be successful in bringing men into the present truth. There must be a general coming up of the remnant, to see much prosperity. The body moves together.

I visited Round Grove not long since. The church in that place are trying to rise out of a lukewarm state; but in order to reform effectually, heart-felt confessions should be made to God and each other. While there I was called upon to preach the funeral sermon of our aged Bro. Wick. He died in hope of a speedy resurrection to immortality. It was judged that five hundred people were present to listen to the word on this occasion. I should conclude from the interest to hear the word in this vicinity [for I had a number of meetings and all well attended] that good might be done. You see from the date of this letter that I am at Crane's Grove. Our conference commenced according to appointment. Not many present from a distance on account of bad going. Our meetings were blessed with the divine Spirit.

Eld. Collings was present a part of the time. He was ready to throw in his testimony against us. His remarks were based on two verses found in Battle Creek. The first was James White. The second was E. G. White. Not much interest manifest in the congregation in listening to his slang as he struggled hard to bring forth things new and old from his text. He accused us of changing continually, giving us to understand that he had found rock bottom and was not to be moved. It is evident that the Eld. has changed himself on many points, from a sermon he preached on First-day, from Matt. xxiv. I will give some points as they fell from his lips.

He declared that Jesus in verse 1, was addressing Jews. The tribulation in verse 21 was on the Jews. The people hated by all nations in verse 9 were Jews. The generation in verse 34 was the Jews. False prophets in verses 23, 24, Advent Sabbatarians that believe Jesus is in the most holy place. Signs in verse 29 would not be seen until Israel ceased to be trodden under foot by the Gentiles.

In the evening I replied briefly to some positions taken by Eld. C. I showed, 1. That the first verse proved that Jesus was talking to his disciples. 2. That verse 9 did not have reference to the Jews from the fact that they were not hated for Christ's sake. 3. That the tribulation was not on the Jews, but on the elect. 4. The false prophets are not Sabbatarians, and that his application was false, from his own reasoning. [He said the tribulation was to run parallel with the treading down of the Jews, and the Jews being still under Gentile feet, the tribulation was not ended.] The false prophets are to manifest themselves after the tribulation, consequently Sabbatarians are not the false prophets. Admitting we are the false prophets, and that his position is correct in this respect, it is fatal to his view of the extent of the tribulation, for it would prove that the tribulation had expired. 5. I claimed if the generation spoken of in verse 34 meant the Jews, all the arguments that had been introduced by Eld. C. and others in regard to the abolition of the fourth commandment were overthrown, for they have declared time after time that the Sabbath was to be perpetrated throughout their generations, [generations of the Jews] and claiming that their generations have expired, the Sabbath was no longer binding.

I should not have replied if it had not been for a few honest ones that were seeking for truth. I think that the people generally could see that Eld. C.'s system of theology was but a system of error. And in reviling us, and exhorting the people to be careful or we would deceive them, for if possible the elect would be deceived, I thought he had no need to be troubled about the people at Crane's Grove, for he said the elect meant the Jews. And when he was trying to make the people believe that we were the ones that were saying Jesus was in the secret chamber, because we say he is in the most holy place, I thought we could claim him for a brother prophet, because he believes Jesus went into the most holy when he ascended to the Father.

The brethren at Crane's Grove are strong in the present truth. There are a few in this place that begin to see where the truth is. It is my earnest prayer that they may have moral courage sufficient to break away from the influence of error, and go with us to mount Zion.

When I see what sad work some professed watchmen make of God's word, I am very thankful that I have not been left to strong delusion, and to fulfill the prediction of our Saviour; viz., My Lord delayeth his coming. When I take into consideration the straightness of the way, and my own weakness, I tremble for fear I may be left out when the Lord calls for his people. Brethren, let us arise from our stupid condition, and double our diligence in the service of God.

Yours in hope. WM. S. INGRAHAM.

Crane's Grove, Ills.