Eagle Lake Sabbath Discussion May, 1880

The first Sunday in May, 1880, we had a memorable discussion at Eagle Lake, on the Sabbath question. Elder Kelley, of Janesville, Minn., was the opposing party. There had been a good deal said about it in the papers beforehand, and the people came for miles, many expecting that the seventh-day Sabbath would now receive its death blow. Elder Kelley depended a good deal on his wit to carry his point. He insisted on having a board of three moderators, who should decide who had presented the best argument. The board was composed of one Sabbath keeper and two Sunday keepers, one of whom was Elder Burges, a great opposer of our faith. He had sometime previously preached what he called the funeral sermon of Seventh-day Adventism. It looked a little dubious about the decision. We had a great desire that the truth would triumph. We appointed an hour before day at which the brethren arose and sought the Lord's blessing on His own precious truth that day.

We went into the battle trusting in the almighty power of the God of truth, and he did not fail us. The elder worked hard. He even got down on his knees, and prayed to the ten commandments, but it was all to no avail. After the discussion the committee retired to consult together. In a few minutes they returned, having agreed that Elder Kelley had lost his proposition.

The next issue of the Mankato FREE PRESS contained a brief account of the discussion, ending with these words: "It was decided that Saturday is the right Sunday."

The next day after the discussions I was very weary, and was resting in Dr. Cordell's house. Suddenly I was impressed that I ought to go immediately to the large sixty-foot tent wherein the discussion was held. I did not wish to go, as I was very weary, but I could not shake off the impression, so I went. I found it filled with children at play. I told them to run away, and they ran in every direction; but none too soon, for the large center pole fell over, taking the whole tent with it. One little fellow did not get out until the tent was upon him. He was not hurt, but was under the canvas. He was frightened nearly out of his wits, and he did his best at making a loud noise.