OUR YEAR'S LABOR by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 12, 1868

OUR YEAR'S LABOR.

By James White

To the praise of God would I speak of the labors and success of the past year. We have traveled by railroad, 3200 miles, and by private conveyance, going to, and returning from, appointments, about 2000 miles. Mrs. W. and self have attended 260 meetings, in most of which one of us has spoken from one to two hours; and have taken part in all those meetings where we have not spoken at length. I have presided in the examination of nearly two hundred candidates for baptism, and have baptized sixty-five. Add to this the care and toil of moving to a new home, and the amount of writing done by us, and it must be regarded as one of the most active years of our lives. Our principal mission has been to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, most of whom, from different causes, were separated, either in name, in spirit, or both, from the body, yet were observing the Sabbath. These, numbering hundreds, we have seen united to the body. This has been the most wearing kind of labor, frequently bringing us where, for a time, it seemed that we must give up the field. But hitherto the Lord hath helped us, and we still continue witnessing the work of the Lord among his people.

We have formed many new acquaintances during the year, which we regard with great pleasure; and have renewed very happy acquaintances with old and well-tried friends. We have shared the sympathy, care, love, and benevolence of many, which blessings we prize next to the love and care of the Lord.

The next year may not call for as great activity from us, allowing us less fatigue and more time for rest. But the lost sheep must be found and borne to the fold, and, if God will give us some part in this work, and strength to perform it, we cheerfully pursue our mission. JAMES WHITE.