Untitled article by P. C. Rodman

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 22, 1867

REPORT OF LABORS.

By P. C. Rodman

My last report closed with account of the grove meeting in Pleasantville. From there we came back to Kensington, staying over night with Bro. John Wilcox, where we were kindly cared for by his family who have had a long experience in present truth. The Lord give them strength to go through to the Mount Zion.

In the morning took cars for Willimantic where Bro. Landon's team took us to his hospitable home in Chaplin, Conn. The next day he conveyed us to Abington, the place of meeting, but while on our way going down quite a steep hill, the harness gave way, letting the wagon upon the horse, and we were all thrown out, but fortunately none were seriously injured. Sabbath, Sept. 14, our meeting commenced encouragingly. Brethren B. Graham and S. T. Belden with their wives were there, with other brethren and sisters, adding interest to the meeting. Preached in the A. M. from John viii, 31, 32, P. M., on the subject, “What shall I do to be saved?” Endeavored to show while the principle is the same, the duty of God's people differs in some respects in different ages. Thus it was once their duty to build an ark in order to be saved; at another time to flee into the mountains to escape judgment then impending; and now it is duty to obey the truth being presented under the third angel's message to escape the seven last plagues.

First-day our worship commenced with social exercises in which nearly all took part. I preached three times during the day to good congregations who listened with interest to the word of truth. So closed our Monthly Meeting in Abington.

We tarried with them over the following Sabbath and first-day, calling on a number of the brethren during the week. We find the most of them taking hold of the Health Reform encouragingly. Hope they will all inform themselves and come up in the good work. One sister in the church is passing through deep trial, her husband opposing and even using harsh means to prevent her from coming to meeting; but she is holding on, and I trust will have grace to do so to the end.

Sabbath, 21, brethren came together at 10 A. M., social exercises continuing until nearly 12, when we closed with remarks on Health Reform, the Spirit of the Lord evidently resting upon us. At 2½ P. M., preached on Love, the remarks being confirmed by several warm testimonies.

First-day, gave two discourses, the people coming in so that it gave evidence to the brethren that prejudice was giving way in the minds of the community; for they gave good attention and at the close of the evening meeting inquired for books to get a better understanding of the truths presented.

Monday morning Bro. Aply took us to Putnam where we took the cars for R. I., arriving at Bro. C. S. Sweet's about 3 P. M. Tarried until the 25th. Brethren being away from home it was thought best not to hold meetings. Visited nearly all, however, at their homes, then went to South Kingston where we held four meetings where good interest was manifest. One thing however is wanting for the cause to move on here as it should; that is, a unanimous taking hold of the work. Some have a mind to work, and I believe the rest begin to feel a need of coming up to duty.

The 30th I attended the funeral of the widow of Bro. John Card. From thence I returned home after an absence of nearly five weeks, finding my family in usual health except my companion who showed evidences of overmuch care and toil; but it is all endured for the truth's sake. I shall try not to have her burdened overmuch. Oh! the goodness and mercy of our heavenly Father! How abundant! May we be enabled to love and obey him here, and live forever in his kingdom, is my prayer.

Bro. J. S. Miller has been with me the last five weeks and rendered good service, taking charge of books, selling some $20.00 worth.

P. C. RODMAN.

Green Hill.