Reports from Norridgewock and Tuscola County
Bro. Smith: As it has been some time since I have written in behalf of the church at Norridgewock, Me., I would say that the church generally are striving against sin, although they have not yet resisted unto blood. And although some become almost discouraged at times, yet the cause moves onward. The Sabbath just past has been a day of interest to some here. Four have borne the cross of baptism to-day, three of whom were new converts. There are others not yet decided in regard to this duty. Pray for us, that amid all the devices of Satan we may be enabled to become united and stand strong against the flood of evil, and at last go up and possess the goodly land. Wm. W. Putnam. South Norridgewock, Maine. Bro. C. D. Cook writes from Tuscola Co., Mich.: The truth found me in the M. E. church, a full believer in the immortality of the soul, and keeping the first day of the week. But I can tell you, of a truth, the Bible was not a very plain book to me at that time, therefore it was not half so interesting to me as it now is. Praise the name of the Lord, I now love his holy word, and love it the more, the more I read it. It is my prayer that some messenger may be sent this way soon, long enough at least to organize a church. There are twelve of us who are trying to live out the truth. We are nine miles north of Watrousville. Cannot some messenger be sent to us. I believe if one could be spared long enough to deliver a course of lectures here, good might be accomplished. May God bless, and save his people from falling victims to the perils of these last days. Sr. L. J. Geroy writes from Washtenaw Co., Mich.: Never was the power of Satan more manifest than at the present time. Truly he knoweth that his time is short. Oh! that our neighbors and friends could see the way, and walk therein, and so escape what is so soon to fall upon this guilty world. I feel more like doubling my diligence than I ever have before, so that I may be ready either for death, or the appearing of our blessed Lord. I ask an interest in your prayers, that I may ever be found faithfully keeping all God’s commandments. Sr. E. M. Lewis writes from St. Law. Co., N. Y.: Never before did I see such beauties in God’s commandments. Just one year ago this present month, I commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, according to the commandment. For twenty-eight years I have loved the Bible; but oh! how different it now seems to me since I understand it better. Last week a stranger took dinner with us, who said he believed the Advent doctrine, but had not faith, or strength enough to begin to obey. I entreated him not to put it off. The subject made such an impression that I lay awake the following night several hours, thinking of the important work before us as a people. It seemed if the whole world were present, I would lift my voice and warn them of coming danger. If I can encourage one to persevere, I shall be glad, and give God the glory.