Report from Bro. Rodman.
By P. C. Rodman
Sabbath, April 7th, I spent in Ashaway, R. I., and tarried until the 19th. Preached to the little company there, and assisted in organizing a Sabbath School. There is a pressing together with the friends of Jesus here. My wife has been sick, so I have been detained at home much this spring, but the Lord has had mercy, and she is recovering. The 19th, went to Natick, preached twice; the 22nd, preached two discourses in Arctic, and spent the 28th in Abington, and found the church here in deep trial—preached two discourses with freedom. The 29th, I preached two discourses in Westford. April 30, and May 1st, devoted to conversation with former acquaintances on present truth. May 5th, preached in Abington; 6th, preached once and organized a church of ten members. Bro. H. G. Buxton was unanimously chosen as elder. Bro. L. Aply, secretary and treasurer; and Bro. C. Webster, deacon. There were five others that have met with them, but they withdrew. One of them appointed a separate meeting; one withdrew because there were objections to his being received into full fellowship at present. Neither of them will be of any benefit to the cause of truth, unless they manifest a less bitter spirit. The Lord have mercy on them, and save others from a like course. Re-organized s. b.; this is well for them, as they have to pay rent, for a place of worship, of twenty-five dollars this year, a burden they have not had before. The 7th, returned home, and spent the days of fasting with the church in Ashaway. It was a refreshing season. I believe the Lord heard and answered prayer. The 12th, our Sabbath School, Bible Class and meeting were all profitable seasons. Brethren here have secured a comfortable place for meetings, that will seat two hundred or more. Sabbath the 19th, I spent in South Kingston, where there is a disposition to progress in the work, and all very much want to see and hear Bro. Cornell once more, and we hope we may some time. In South Kingston, s. b. for 1866 amounts to $58.24. In Ashaway, the amount is $36.40. There does not seem to be much apparent progress to truth just now, but it does not lose anything, and I believe there is an influence at work on the side of truth, that will keep it steadily advancing, if not perceivable by us always, and truth will soon bear away the victory. Oh for a share in its triumph at last!