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The Missionary

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Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 2, 1882

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 8, No. 9.

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The Missionary.

By J. D. Rice

Lakeport, California.

HAVE been at this place for some time past, laboring as best I could, considering the weather and the scattered condition of our people, to build them up in the truth and enlist them in the great work of spreading God's last message to the world. They all seem to be quite encouraged, and express their desire to faithfully perform their part in all things. A neat, carpeted hall has been obtained at very reasonable figures, in which to hold their meetings. A Sabbath-school has been organized, and is in good working condition. Also the Tract and Missionary and Vigilant Missionary Societies. Over thirty copies of the SIGNS are used weekly by them.
Several new ones have begun the observance of the Lord's day. Others manifest quite an interest, are investigating, and with judicious labor may be brought into the truth. It seemed best to labor principally from house to house, considering the circumstances, preaching only Sabbaths and Sunday evenings. I hope to hold a short protracted meeting when spring opens, to gather in those who are ripening for the garner. There are now about twenty in this vicinity who are trying to keep all of God's commandments and the faith of Jesus.
Elder Barnes (Baptist) preached against the law and Sabbath just before I came back to Lakeport. The sermon was reported for me in short-hand by Bro. Burke. By making strong assertions, and no little fun for the people, he apparently confirmed many, who wanted it that way, in the belief that the law of God is such a loose arrangement, that the Sabbath at least has been shaken out of it. Yet he thinks enough remains for man (the "man of sin"), to erect on its ruins a heathen custom—"the venerable day of the sun" to be incorporated into the governments of earth, and enforced as a divine institution, by "the powers that be." He favors the Sunday Law, and gives his influence to erect an image to the beast. I reviewed his discourse to the satisfaction of those who heard. Some of his arguments may be noticed hereafter.
I am on my way to Colusa County, to visit the folks there for a short time. My address will be Williams. J. D. RICE. St. Helena, Cal. February 22, 1882.