The Discussion of the Sabbath Question.
By T. M. Preble
In the Advent Review of May 9th, Eld. M. E. Cornell says: “We have publicly accepted Eld. P.’s challenge for discussion of the question of the Sabbath, and shall be ready when time and place are agreed upon.” The acceptance of the challenge above referred to, was first declared in Manchester, N. H., in a public meeting on the evening of April 17, 1865. But Eld. C., did not see fit to state in the Advent Review, the conditions on which he proposed to discuss the Sabbath question with me, as he had stated in his meeting of April 17th. If I have been correctly informed—which I have no reason to doubt,—the Elder proposes preliminaries which are quite novel, and we think betray some fear in regard to the result of such a discussion. We will not attempt to use his precise language, but the substance was this: “I will not discuss the question with Eld. Preble in this city, or in any other place where he and I, and our views of the Sabbath question, are so well known as they are here. But if Elder Preble will consent to go into some place which I will select, and let me give several lectures beforehand, so as to have my views fairly understood before we commence the discussion, I will meet him on these conditions.” Now, I will just say to Eld. Cornell, that if he claims for his side of the question, such advantage as he thinks his proposition will give him, I will agree to it, provided, he will grant me the following favors: 1. He must act the part of a Christian gentleman, in selecting a suitable place for the discussion, so as to give me a fair opportunity with him in regard to travelling, and other expenses,—other things being equal,—and the place of meeting must be within the limits of New England. 2. He must notify me of the time of his preliminary discourses, so that I can attend as one of his hearers,—if I shall desire to do so,—and the discussion shall commence immediately on the close of his extra lectures. 3. He must allow me to have a voice in regard to the arrangements for the time when this meeting shall take place. I will now add, that if Eld. M. E. Cornell shall finally back down from having a discussion with me, he may have the privilege of choosing a substitute; and I will, by the blessing of the Lord, “be ready when time and place are agreed upon.” T. M. PREBLE.
East Weare, N. H., June 2, 1865.