RECORD OF MEETINGS IN R. I.
By J. S. MILLER
On Feb. 15th Brn. Howard, Rodman and myself arrived at Curtis' Corner. We were heartily welcomed by Bro. Tucker's family, with whom we found a true pilgrim's home during our stay at that place. Sabbath evening we attended meeting at Peace Dale at the house of Bro. Nichols. There was a good attendance. Bro. Howard spoke on the law and its relations to man. Sabbath, 16th, the Brn. met at the meeting house at Curtis' Corner. Some twelve brethren and sisters were present. Bro. Rodman spoke from the text, “What wilt thou have me to do?” After the discourse every brother and sister present gave in a brief testimony. It was a refreshing season. Sabbath evening Bro. Howard preached on the unity of the church—a very instructive discourse, and well received. First-day, 17th, met at Bro. Tucker's in the morning and re-organized s. B. for 1867 to the amount of about $70. In the afternoon held a meeting at the meeting house. There was a good congregation present. Bro. Howard preached from Isa. viii, 17. In the evening Bro. H. spoke to a full house on the seals. The hearers gave the best attention, and it is hoped the good seed sown may have its due effect. With judicious labor more good might be done at this place. Second-day, 18th, went to Exeter. Were cordially received at the house of Bro. C. L. Sweet. In the evening held a meeting in the district school house. Had a full house. Bro. Rodman spoke on “The hour of His judgment. Third-day, 19th, met at the house of Bro. C. L. Sweet and re-organized s. B. for 1867, to the amount of $24. In the evening Bro. Howard spoke to a full house on the Atonement. At this place there is also a field for labor with a fair prospect of others being gathered in. Fourth-day, 20th, went to Charleston. The snow storm prevented filling the appointment at the Washington school house. Fifth-day, 21st, went to Green Hill. A heavy snow storm prevented the people from coming out to meeting. Some half dozen came out, however, and we had a season of prayer and conference. Sabbath evening, 22d, some thirty came out to meeting. Sabbath, 23d, there was a fair audience. First-day, 24th, and in the evening Bro. Howard preached from the words, “Thy kingdom come.” The kingdom of God was faithfully shown up to the people, and those who had not started were earnestly exhorted to start for the kingdom. Third-day evening Bro. Howard spoke to a good congregation at Washington school-house. Fourth-day 27th, visited the brethren at Green Hill. Our meetings here failed to accomplish all we desired, because of the storm and bad walking. It is hoped that the brethren at that place will see the necessity of fully consecrating themselves to the work, and learn to trust in the living God, and submit to all his righteous will. Fifth-day, 28th, went to Newport, and on the following morning, March 1st, took passage for New Shoreham (Block Island). At the landing we found Bro. Dodge, who took us to his hospitable home. Sabbath, 2d, had a good meeting at Bro. Mott's. In the evening, meeting at Bro. Henry Steadman's. Several who had recently started to obey the Lord, on this occasion decided to press on in the work and go through to Mount Zion. Second-day, 4th, met at Bro. Dodge's. Bro. Howard188spoke from Rev. ii, 17. After meeting Bro. Rodman administered the ordinance of baptism to six persons. In the evening Bro. Howard spoke on a future life, with much freedom. The congregation though small were quite free. The 5th, had a meeting at Bro. Littlefield's. Some twenty brethren and sisters were present. Had a free time. In the evening met at Bro. Steadman's. After a discourse from Bro. Howard, seven persons were received into the church. The 6th, re-organized s. B. for 1867, which was raised from $28 to $59. In the evening had a meeting at the district school-house. The house was well filled and the audience attentive. Bro. Howard spoke on the “Blotting out of Sin.” We have good reason to believe that the truth presented on this occasion will yet produce reform in some of the hearers. Fifth-day, 7th, we were intending to leave the Island this morning, but a heavy head wind prevented our doing so. We therefore had a meeting in the house of Bro. Champlin. Sixth-day, 8th, attempted to leave the Island, but the head wind still prevented us. Sabbath, 9th, at the house of Bro. Littlefield, the Health Reform was faithfully presented by Bro. Rodman. This discourse was just what was needed, and we trust the brethren will give their attention to this important branch of religion. First-day, 10th, had a meeting at Bro. Mott's. Notwithstanding the severity of the storm, some twenty brethren and sisters were present. Bro. Howard spoke on the Seals. The brethren were much edified with this discourse. The storm prevented holding any meeting in the evening. Second-day, 11th, made another attempt to leave the Island but we were again disappointed. In the evening had a meeting at Bro. Dodge's. Third-day, 12th, took passage in a boat bound for New London, Conn., some fifty miles away, where we arrived at about 4 P. M. The cause at New Shoreham is in a prosperous condition, and the church enjoying a good state of unity in the faith. There were in all, nine new members added to the church—six by baptism. The brethren at New Shoreham are much in need of a suitable place of worship. We trust that they will remember that “the Lord loveth the cheerful giver,” and that “where there is a will, there is a way.” At New London we parted company, Bro. Howard and Rodman to meet Bro. Andrews in Connecticut, and I to return to my home in Ashaway.