Untitled article by P. C. Rodman

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 24, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 15

REPORT OF MEETINGS.

By P. C. Rodman

My last report left me at the Washington, N. H., Monthly Meeting, held Feb. 1 and 2. This was a profitable meeting. It was very cold, and snow had so blocked up the roads that there was not so large a gathering as would have been; but the Lord was with us, and helped in bearing testimony, so that his people were comforted and quickened. In an inquiry meeting held, thirteen offered themselves for baptism, but the morning the baptism was to have taken place was so very cold that it was thought best to postpone it until I could come again; so, after holding eight meetings, giving six discourses, and helping them what I could, on the 6th, left for my next appointment at Amherst, going as far as Manchester, where I shared Bro. Smith's hospitable home until Sabbath morning, when he took me to the place of meeting. Found a small company of interested brethren and sisters together. Spoke in the forenoon about 35 minutes, then gave liberty, when nearly every one present spoke with interest. In the afternoon, spoke on the oneness of God's people, with freedom. Truth was well received. First-day, spoke twice on prophecy. The Spirit of God rested on us, helping us in speaking, and I trust good was done. This church is young in present truth, and needs help, and it appears to me that labor could be profitably bestowed here. I learn since I was there one man and his wife have decided to obey the Lord. Brethren, the Lord does attend his word, and give power to truth. Present truth points out present danger, and is salvation to them that believe.

After calling on a few of this dear people, doing what we could to help them on in the narrow way, on the 11th, Bro. Mace took me back to Manchester. On

the following evening, by request, preached at the house of Bro. Wise, first-day Adventist. Quite a number in. They appeared much interested; hope they will follow on to know the Lord and his truth more perfectly. On the 13th, started for Peterboro, and reached Bro. Hastings' at 4, P. M. Found himself and wife pressing on in the good work. The next day, he carried me to Peterboro. Here, attended the ordinances, and afterward re-arranged S. B. It was raised from about $80 to $120, all to N. E. Mission.

After holding seven meetings, speaking six times, celebrating the ordinances, assisting to re-arrange S. B., and calling on several families, I left this people. They having decided to engage anew in the work, I hope they will have preaching more than once this year; for they appreciate help, and, with a little effort, I think others could be gathered in to go with them to Mount Zion.

The 20th, started for Washington. Came on to Stoddard, and Bro. Dodge kindly took me to his house, where we tried to be useful in encouraging his household. The 21st, was carried by Bro. Dodge over to Washington. On Sabbath morning, spoke from Titus ii, 11-13. One man, at the close of our discourse, confessed he had opposed the truth and this people, and as a result, had lost his religion, but was desirous of taking up his cross, and going with them. The meeting closed, and eleven young persons were buried by baptism into death, and, I trust, raised to walk in newness of life. The following evening, attended the ordinances. This was solemn and interesting, and, I hope, profitable to all. The 23d, by request, preached in the Town Hall at the village. It was very cold and windy. The thermometer stood 15 deg. below zero, but quite a number came in. The 24th left Washington, and rode with Bro. Smith and Mace to Manchester, they having come to this meeting, so as to have me go to Amherst, and spend a few weeks with them; but I had sent an appointment to Lancaster, Mass., for the 25th and 26th, so the 25th, started to fill the same, hoping to be able to go to Amherst in April or May. I continued in Lancaster until the 4th of March, giving eight discourses to a few interested hearers. Some were convinced of the truth, and I hope will obey and be saved. Bro. Haskell having been called home from R. I., it appeared duty for me to leave, as the interest in R. I. appeared to demand some one there; so I left matters in the care of the Lord, trusting him to direct Bro. H. in helping on the work in Lancaster.

I called at home, staying about thirty-six hours; then went to Green Hill, and gave two discourses on the Sabbath. Evening after the Sabbath, preached at Washington school-house, and the following day and evening. There is a good interest among the people to hear, in this vicinity, as the result, partly, of Bro. Haskell's labors. I hope some will embrace the truth.

Dear brethren, with whom I have labored in weakness, and tried to do good, God bless you, and help you to draw nigh to him in cheerfully doing all his will as it is being taught us under the third angel's message, that you may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

The Lord is in this work, and directs it according to the counsel of his own will. We cannot improve any portion of it, if we try; so let us show our faith in God and his word by following on as he leads the way with instruments of his own choosing, and so submit to his wisdom in leading his people here; for he will no more err here, than when he, by Moses, led them out of Egypt. P. C. RODMAN.

Shannock. R. I.