Untitled article by P. C. Rodman

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, February 18, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 10

REPORT FROM BRO. RODMAN.

By P. C. Rodman

At the close of my last report I was laboring with the church at Washington, N. H. The labors of Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews were blessed of the Lord to this church. Wrongs were confessed by the erring, and some twelve or more of the children made a start to obey the Lord and be overcomers; so that when the above-named servants of God had to leave to attend their appointment in Enosburgh, Vt., it was thought best for me to stay over the following Sabbath. I did so, and held seven meetings which I think were profitable and interesting. Had good freedom in bearing testimony. The brethren sought the Lord earnestly, and the children that had made a move, advanced, as was fully evident, except one, so that I felt to say, Good is the Lord, and his mercy is toward them that fear him.

Jan. 2, started for Dartmouth, Mass., to join Bro. Howard in holding meetings with the church there. After staying over night with Bro. Rice, in Boston, went on my way, and arrived at Bro. G. L. Ashley's next day. Found Bro. H. waiting. We had nine meetings with them. This church was in a deplorable condition, having had but very little labor bestowed upon them for years. They had become weak by removals and deaths, until they had given way to discouragement, and Satan had them nearly at his command. But we dealt faithfully and kindly with them, and the Lord blessed the effort, so that we left them encouraged and decided to make a faithful attempt to overcome; and they will if they persevere in obedience to the truths of the third angel's message. Jan. 9, Bro. J. T. Ashley took us on our way to Fall River. There we took the cars for our appointment with the church at Curtis Corners, R. I. Arrived the same evening at Bro. Tucker's, where we were welcomed by himself and family. This church is laboring under some discouragements, and needed help. This we tried to impart. There was quite a good attendance on Sabbath by brethren from other churches. Wish they could all have stayed through the meeting, so as to have had the benefit of the faithful testimonies of Brn. Howard and Haskell, who did the preaching; for the Lord blessed his word and good was done. But we did not see all accomplished that we might if all had humbled themselves as we must, to enjoy the comfort and help of the Holy Spirit in leading us into the liberty of the children of God. After holding seven public meetings, and one to arrange S. B. for 1868, Bro. Howard returned to Dartmouth, and Bro. Haskell and myself to Ashaway. Found Satan had been hard at work here, and some had been too willing to be influenced by him, so that, our time being short, it was nearly all spent in trying to get them into working order. Bro. H. labored with interest and some success. We helped what we could, holding eight meetings with good results, but not all that might have been accomplished if all had stood at their posts when we began, or had taken hold afterward; but the Lord worked with us, to his name be the praise; and I do hope to see every one of this little company pressing their way to the Mount Zion.

The 22d, after the blessing of being at home a few days, left my family in good health as usual, to struggle on without me amid care and temptation, trusting the Lord will care for them, comforting and restraining them as they may need, and, in company with Bro. Haskell started for the Lancaster Monthly Meeting. After two and a half days' drive, reached Bro. Haskell's home.

When I come to reflect on the state of the cause in Dartmouth, Mass., Kingston and Ashaway, R. I., I think I can understand better why Satan is trying to distract this people and keep them in a sickly state, without salvation. He knows that if they come up in the work as they should, he would not only lose them as his subjects, but the children would follow their parents, and also friends around would be drawn in, and embrace the truth. This idea was confirmed by the report Bro. Howard brought us from Dartmouth when I met him at Lancaster.

Again, in these places they are behind on the health reform, especially the sisters. Does not this speak strongly in its favor? for where they have taken hold of it faithfully, they are united and prospering, the Lord adding to their numbers; and where they rather oppose, by being slow to move, and begin to question the Testimonies, there Satan comes in and divides their hearts, and they lose the good Spirit of God, and so peace departs. God is the author of peace in all the churches of the saints. Judge ye, who is dividing his people.

Our meeting at Lancaster was a success. Some few came in from other places. Held three social meetings, seven or eight discourses were given, and the church was comforted and confirmed. One from Vernon, Vt., who had been backslidden for years, started anew; another confessed his desire to be a Christian and go with this people.

The 27th, Bro. Howard started for Maine, to join Bro. Canright. I tarried here and held two meetings, speaking at some length in each. A good impression was left upon the minds of those who came in to hear, so that I feel that if the church is faithful, the Lord will add to their numbers such as shall be saved from among their neighbors.

The 30th, started for Washington, N. H., to attend Monthly Meeting. Arrived at Bro. C. K. Farnsworth's about 3 P. M. In our first meeting, Sabbath eve, after I had spoken a short time, nearly all took part, which was interesting to me, as it gave evidence that there was a mind to work in the work of God. Thus his work is made to prosper among them, in their growing in grace and in a knowledge of the truth.

P. C. RODMAN.

Washington, N. H., Feb. 3, 1868.