p. 164 | Untitled article

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Apr 6, 1882

From the Field.

INDIANA, Star City, March 20.—Three weeks ago I began meetings at the school-house here, which contains a large room 38x25. The room has been crowded every night, and God has stirred the people mightily by his Spirit. Twenty-five have thus far embraced the truth and begun the observance of the Sabbath. Among this number are those whose reputation for Christian love and character is untarnished. One of the wealthiest men here has determined to assist largely in the building of a commodious brick meeting-house, and several hundred dollars have already been offered toward the same.

Eld. Walker, of Kokomo, came here and desired a debate, but I refused to meet him until I had preached at least three weeks, at which time I was willing to meet him. He vehemently urged an immediate debate, but I replied that the people knew nothing of the truth that I was advocating, and prejudice was so strong that I desired time to remove it by preaching the truth. But he charged me with fear, etc., and preached here nearly one week, employing his time in stigmatizing the Sabbath of the Lord, and claiming that the ten commandments were done away. He also charged me with preaching an unscriptural doctrine concerning the soul, and finally claimed that the function of thought could exist without brains, i. e., a person can think much better without than with brains. I presume he referred to a spiritual brain. His preaching against the truth aided me considerably; for I could easily make the weakness of his arguments apparent to the people, and so hold up the present

truth in glorious comparison. Over one hundred were in attendance at our last Sabbath meeting, and last night the crowd was larger than ever, the house being literally packed. This is God's work. Pray for the work here.

A. W. Bartlett.

KANSAS, Lebanon, Smith Co., March 12.—Our work in this place is just finished, after nearly eight weeks. Since our last report, nine more have decided in favor of the truth, making in all fifteen, all heads of families, that have embraced the Sabbath and kindred truths since our coming here. Six of the above were addicted to the use of tobacco, but have discontinued the habit, according to 2 Cor. 7: 1. Six have united with the Lebanon church by baptism. With but few exceptions, this church is of good courage. Our stay in this place has been a profitable and pleasant one. The Lord has worked far beyond our expectations. When we are humble and consecrated, God works through us.

M. and H. Enoch.

MICHIGAN, Covert.—Came to Covert, and commenced a series of meetings March 10. Have given twenty-two discourses, to congregations ranging from fifty to one hundred and fifty attentive listeners. The interest here is excellent. Twenty have already signed the covenant, and we hope for more. We have held two Sabbath meetings, which were well attended, and many heartfelt testimonies were borne in favor of the truth. Have also organized a Sabbath-school, and sent for ten copies of the Instructor, with lesson books and hymn books.

R. C. Horton.

NORTH CAROLINA, Valley Crucis, Feb. 9.—I have made a hasty visit to the central part of this State. Have preached in several different counties. Some will keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. Could only preach to them—the power to compel to action is the province of the Holy Spirit. There are thousands in this State who never so much as heard that there was such a people as the S. D. Adventists. I feel confident from my experience that much and lasting good could be accomplished in this State if the work could be carried forward. There is an interest awakened in different localities. Found but little opposition, though a Methodist minister on one occasion disputed my word during a discourse. Many returned thanks for the discourses given, among whom were several ministers. I also visited some Sabbath-keepers in Wilkes county. Found them firm on the law and Sabbath, but they still belong to the First-day Adventists. We have no minister in this State who devotes all of his time to the ministry. The ministers are compelled to labor for their support. Pray for us.

S. H. Kime.