REPORT OF LABOR by L. L. HOWARD

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 25, 1868

REPORT OF LABOR.

By L. L. HOWARD

WHILE sitting down to write a report of my labors for a short time past, I deem it duty also to speak of my experience in connection with the meetings held of late by Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Andrews. When they came to Maine I was in some doubt about the testimonies of sister White. During the progress of those meetings in Maine, I passed through a very great anxiety of mind. I heard numerous testimonies given to different individuals. I looked to see what the result would be; and so far as I could see, the result was good in every instance. But still there was some lingering doubt until I attended the meeting at Washington. The blessed effect of the plain testimonies borne by sister White to certain ones in that place, convinced me that the work was of God. Another thing. A testimony was given me and my family, that if we would take a certain course, I should see my children converted. As soon as I moved in this direction, the Lord began to work for us. Two of our children have taken a good stand to serve the Lord. I thank God for stooping so low as to give us light from Heaven in these last days.

The meeting at Washington was a great blessing to me. I felt a greater union with the brethren in the third message than ever before. I expected to travel with Bro. Andrews this winter, on the New England mission; but at this meeting he decided to go with Bro. and sister White to New York and Michigan. I felt somewhat disappointed in not enjoying the privilege; but the Lord's will be done. I feel very grateful for the privilege I have had in times past of associating with this dear servant of the Lord. We reluctantly parted. I came to Amherst to my appointment. Here is a little body of commandment-keepers who were gathered together by Bro. Gage. There have been some additions since Bro. Gage removed to Battle Creek. Bro. Andrews and myself labored with them some last summer. I found them striving to grow in grace and in knowledge of God. They are young in experience. I had a good season with them in presenting the subject of Spiritual Gifts. I pray that these may be fully imbued with the spirit of the third angel's message. There seems to be some interest to hear among other classes in this place. A course of lectures would probably bring in others.

Jan. 2, I went to visit the church at Dartmouth, Mass. Bro. Rodman joined me the next day. Sabbath eve we commenced meetings with them. Found them very low; some badly backslidden, and some difficulties among them. We tried to speak to them, but were much pressed in spirit. Next morning we called the church together, and exhorted them with plainness of speech in reference to the solemn time in which we are living, the judgment hour, and also their dreadful sin in backsliding from God at this time. A spirit of confession and weeping pervaded our meeting. Brethren and sisters came forward and confessed heartily, and their difficulties at once vanished. The former elder of the church, who has been in a backslidden and discouraged state of mind, was not present at this meeting, but came in a few days. He and his wife took a good stand with the people of God, and made heart felt confessions of their wanderings.

We found this church much behind on the health reform. We tried to show them the importance of this subject. They received our testimony, and seemed to give good evidence of trying to profit by it. We held meetings with them over Sabbath and first-day, also Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, evenings. They were solemn and interesting.

On Thursday, Brn. Rodman and myself took leave of the brethren and sisters there, and came to Kingston, R. I. Here is a church that was raised up by the labors of Bro. M. E. Cornell, some three or four years since. The most of them are striving to live up to the light of present truth. Some are behind on the health reform. Not one of the sisters of that church did I see with the reform dress on. When will our brethren and sisters see the right way? Quite a goodly number came in from other places, and we enjoyed a good season together in conference. We tried to bear a plain testimony in regard to the present truth. We were glad to meet Bro. Haskell from South Lancaster, Mass. at this meeting. He bore a faithful testimony, which cheered and strengthened us all very much.

At the close of this meeting, after consultation, it was decided that Brn. Rodman and Haskell should attend our appointment at Ashaway, and I go back to Dartmouth, and be with the church over Sabbath and first-day. Accordingly, on Jan. 15, I parted with Brn. Rodman and Haskell, and came back to Dartmouth.

I found the pilgrims in good spirits, striving to hold fast whereunto they had attained. We had a good, solemn time with them. One who had never said anything in public before, took up the cross and asked for prayers, promising to submit to the Lord, and keep his commandments. We were all much comforted. We hope to hear a good report from them still, in the future.

Jan. 24, came to South Lancaster to attend our Monthly Meeting. Here I again joined Brn. Rodman and Haskell, who had come from Rhode Island to attend meetings in Mass. and New Hampshire.

At this place we had a good meeting with the scattered ones. Many of the members of the church are scattered, living in other towns, some at quite a distance. It was good to see them together. Most of them have taken hold of the health reform well.

All the sisters who were present have adopted the reform dress. One man who had been in a backslidden state a long time, took a good stand with us; also a young man present, asked for prayers, and seemed very penitent.

At this place I received a second letter from Bro. Canright, asking me if I could not come to New Portland, Me., and aid him in opening a new field in that part of the State. He had become weary in speaking so constantly, so it seemed quite necessary that I should go. After consulting with Brn. Haskell, Rodman, and others, and making it a subject of prayer, I concluded to go, and to leave Bro. R. to visit churches, and attend the appointments in New Hampshire. Very reluctantly we parted, to go to our several appointments.

I wish to say here that I feel grateful for the privilege I have enjoyed of laboring with Eld. Rodman; and I pray that God will give him success in his meetings in N. H. I will say to the brethren in that State that I will come back and labor among them just as soon as the way opens, in the providence of God.

I reached this place the last day of Jan., and found Bro. Canright and Goodrich holding meetings in the village school-house. There is some interest. Quite a number have started to keep the Sabbath, but the churches and ministers have done all they could to scare the people away from our meetings. Still we have quite a good attendance. There are a number of villages near by in which we are intending to give lectures at the earliest opportunity. Pray for us that the word of God may have free course.

L. L. HOWARD.

New Portland, Me.