A Short Dialogue by A. S. Hutchins

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 6, 1864

A Short Dialogue.

By A. S. Hutchins

FOUNDED ON FACT.

A. Good morning Bro. B. Have you read that little work on the Sabbath?

B. I have. But still it really seems to me that the seventh day was the Jewish Sabbath, and that the first day is the Christian Sabbath.

A. Does the Bible furnish us any proof to this effect?

B. I know of none; perhaps it is nothing but tradition that makes it seem so to me.

A. But you know the Sabbath dates back to the creation for its origin, and that it was given to man as a grand and standing memorial of the Creator's works.

B. Certainly.

A. And do we not now, as much as ever, need this memorial?

B. Certainly. Well, I acknowledge that I am halting on this point. One thing troubles me. Once I did not love God. I used to work on Sunday. Ill luck attended me. I was reduced to poverty. I resolved to lead a different life. Since then I have kept Sunday, and been prospered in all that I have put my hand to; and now I stand in doubt about breaking it.

A. But you have seen very wicked men who prospered in worldly affairs. David speaks of those who bring "wicked devices" to pass, as prospering in their way.

B. Very true.

A. But your reform did not consist alone in Sunday-keeping?

B. Oh, no, from that time I have endeavored to live the life of a Christian.

A. If, then, the Lord has really blessed you with temporal and spiritual blessings for striving to render obedience to him, should not this fact lead you to love him still, and to continue to walk in the light as it shines upon your pathway, rather than to reject it and fall back upon your past experience? God requires his people to move forward as the light shines. "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."

B. Well, I will give this subject further consideration. I had not looked at it just in that light before.

A. S. HUTCHINS.