Untitled article by P. C. RODMAN

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · December 17, 1867

REPORT FROM BRO. RODMAN.

By P. C. RODMAN

When I wrote my last report, I had been here a few days, and given several discourses. I continued holding meetings here nearly every evening until Nov. 20, with quite an interest to hear. Three more decided to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The Lord give them grace, as he most assuredly will, to continue in the narrow way, and stand on the Mount Zion with the Lamb. Others are convicted of the truth, and I hope will obey the Lord fully, and so enjoy the great peace those do who love God's law, letting nothing stumble them in walking uprightly before the Lord.

We labor under some disadvantages here, having to hold the most of our meetings in private houses. The rooms being rather small, it is not so easy to speak, or convenient to hear.

On the 20th, returned home. Found all in good health. Even Bro. Prange, who had returned from the West, where he had been to visit his brothers and recruit in health, is looking much better. In the three meetings I held with the church here, there appeared to be a reaching out after the Lord. We spoke to them on the work of self-examination; it was received as meat in due season. May it not only be received in word, but may the work be entered upon and continued in with perseverance, until sins that hinder their growth in grace, and further knowledge of the truth, shall have all been discovered and put away, that the Lord may work in them mightily. Satan has made great effort to destroy the influence of the little flock here by feeding them upon selfishness and crowding out the love of God from the hearts of his dear children, and they have been too willing he should have his way. Thus their peace has been greatly disturbed; but I do hope they will be like the Corinthians, to whom Paul wrote that they sorrowed to repentance; so sorrowed after a godly sort, leading to carefulness, and a clearing of themselves, that they grew indignant against sin and its author; holy fear, and fervent desire, and becoming zeal took the place of selfishness, and in all things they approved themselves clear.

Dear brethren and sisters in Ashaway, may I have no cause to regret having boasted of you before others. Remember, dear brethren, Satan is artful, and will discourage you in trying to rise if possible, but as you endeavor to draw nigh to God, remember these words, “Whosoever will, let him come.” There is no power that can resist the one who is pledged to help us, unless we give up to Satan; then do not despair, neither fret thyself in any wise to do evil; neither let the love of the world in any of its forms control thee; but in love serve one another. My prayers shall go up for you without ceasing. And to the rest of my brethren in Rhode Island and Connecticut, with whom I have labored, be strong; I will visit you again before long. Hold fast and press on in the work. Do not shrink from the cross. Remember, “Except a man take up his daily cross and follow me, he cannot be my disciple,” says Jesus. The cross is not, as some suppose, talking in meeting, but in doing every duty—crucifying the old man with his affections and lusts, and so having Christ to live in you, willing, and doing his good pleasure. Nothing short of perfect obedience rendered by us, is all our duty. It will cost an effort on our part, but in the strength of the Lord we can overcome, and he that overcometh shall inherit all things: the city of God and the new earth, with all their pleasant and glorious accompaniments forever. I think I hear every one of you say, I must be there, cost what it will. Well, this is the will of God, so just submit, and obey all his heavenly will, looking unto Jesus, who is the author and finisher of our faith, and you can be there.

When I returned home on the 20th, I expected to attend the Monthly Meeting at Washington, N. H., but found it was indefinitely postponed. So after trying to do my duty in Ashaway for a few days, I started on the 28th for this place again. The interest is unabated. I preached again last evening in the hall, showing the work of the Papacy in blaspheming God, wearing out his people, and attempting to change times and laws. I have now appointed five meetings

more. Satan begins to be disturbed. I hope to be humble, and be instrumental of good. I trust I shall have the prayers of my brethren, that the Lord's work may prosper in my hands.

I do not know how long the interest will demand me to stay here. I hope to stand in the counsel of God. There is evidently an advance move being made with God's remnant people. Brethren, shall any of us be left behind? If there is not a taking hold of the work in faithfulness, with all our might, the cause of truth will move on, leaving the worldly-minded to their own choice; then Satan will have them in his snare. How important then that we have the love of the truth in our hearts, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.

My brethren, have you read Testimonies Nos. 11, 12, and 13? If not, get them and read them at once. There is reproof and counsel, just such as is needed. Send on 40 cents to the Office and have them forwarded, or to my address in Ashaway, R. I., as I have a few to supply the brethren with. I have also most of our other publications constantly on hand. Send in your orders. Inform yourselves, and get a knowledge of the truth, for Satan is very artful, and unless you inform yourselves in the truth and obey it, he will ensnare you in his deceptions; but this need not be, for the Lord has given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.

Truth will cost us time and money, but we are taught to buy the truth and sell it not. Prov. xxiii, 23. What is it that is to save us? Not the love of farms, houses, pleasure, dress, or appetite, but the love of the truth. Then court the influence of that Spirit that leads into all truth, for if any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine. John vii, 17. Again, if we continue in his word, we shall know the truth, and the truth will make us free; then shall we be his disciples indeed. John viii, 31, 32.

P. C. RODMAN.

Pleasantville, N. Y.