DISCUSSION IN VT by Stephen Pierce

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 22, 1860

DISCUSSION IN VT.

By Stephen Pierce

Bro. Smith ; It may not be amiss to inform the brethren briefly through the Review what the Lord has been doing for us for a season past. At the time Bro. and sister White were here in Oct. last, three had embraced the truth. Soon after that meeting five more began to keep the commandments of God. In the mean time the enemy became disturbed and there was sent in an appointment in four weeks for O. D. Gibson, from the south part of the State to preach against the seventh-day Sabbath. Bro. Sperry being present at the time the appointment was given out, made it in his way to be present when it was fulfilled. Three of us took notes. Then Bro. Sperry requested one evening to review Gibson's two discourses of four hours, which he obtained. At the time of this review Mr. Gibson challenged Bro. Sperry to meet him in discussion on the subject of the Sabbath ; but as Bro. S. had sent previous appointments on his anticipated tour South, it was postponed until he should return which proved to be eleven weeks. Accordingly, by previous arrangement the parties met on Sunday, Feb. 19th. Bro. Sperry, pale and enfeebled by disease, had been, some eight or ten days previous, severely attacked with the cholera morbus, from which he had not fully recovered, while his antagonist appeared healthy and strong, and expectant of a successful issue. Such being the case, some of the friends of truth were somewhat concerned in regard to the result. But the discussion had not long been opened before we perceived that the good Spirit of the Lord was with us to help. While the opposite party, although naturally possessed of strong reasoning powers, seemed in a measure to flag, insomuch that some of his especial friends thought him to be sick, our beloved Bro. S. seemed to rise in strength and power to the very last.

This is the first discussion of the kind we have heard of in New England; but we expect not the last. The carnal mind of blind, wicked ministers seems to be more fully aroused against the law of God, to which it “is not subject, neither indeed can be,” than ever before.

This discussion has been strengthening in its effects upon the minds of those who have recently embraced the truth, if it does not prove instrumental in bringing others to a decision in favor of God's law.

STEPHEN PIERCE.

Roxbury, Vt.