The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 4

XII. Periodical Articles Carry “Light” to Adventists

By the spring of 1845, Edson, Crosier, and Hahn had carried their studies to a point where the—sanctuary, its services, and its cleansing stood forth clearly in their minds, with its various phases in quite balanced and symmetrical form, as the “light and truth” that the scattered flock then needed. As for themselves, it made the blessed gospel of Christ luminous with a deeper, fuller meaning, and shed light on the entire question of their disappointment, as well as on the propriety and justification of the Advent Movement. It gave significance and direction to their past, present, and future course of action, and brought substantial joy and comfort to their hearts. It was, moreover, a distinctive contribution to Christian theology at large. Thus they reasoned. PFF4 901.3

Picture 4: CROSIER’S SANCTUARY POSITIONS GIVEN WIDE PUBLICITY
Original article in canandaigua day-dawn, Soon amplified in cincinnati’s day-star extra. (inset) O. R. L. crosier, recorder of the group study conclusions
Page 902

The trio discussed how to spread this precious knowledge to the brethren of the advent faith, and Edson said to his study companions, “Let us get out another number of the Day-Dawn, and publish this truth.” ²³ Among others, it reached Joseph Bates and James White, both of whom accepted it gladly. The article was likewise received heartily by the local Port Gibson group. And the favorable reception accorded it by Enoch Jacobs, editor of the Day-Star of Cincinnati, encouraged them next to write out a fuller systematic exposition- covering “fifty foolscap sheets”—to reach its larger list of subscribers. ²⁴ PFF4 902.1

This appeared, in time, as a large Day-Star Extra (a double number), of February 7, 1846. The article bore the endorsing signatures of Hiram Edson and F. B. Hahn at the close/thus representing their united conclusions. They shared the expense between them, and spread their findings as far as they could. Mrs. Edson even sold her set of silver spoons, a wedding gift, to help provide the needed money. Joseph Bates and James White were particularly pleased with this fuller presentation. Bates said it was the best thus far produced on the subject. It brought light and hope to many. PFF4 903.1

The early Day-Dawn articles appeared in 1845, ²⁵ and the Day-Star amplification some ten months later. ²⁶ Another article by Crosier appeared in Joseph Marsh’s paper, ²⁷ presenting ten fundamental points on the sanctuary, which he used in combating the spiritual—advent idea. The sanctuary doctrine, emanating from Port Gibson and Canandaigua, was thus spread far and wide and was gladly received by many. PFF4 903.2