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REPORT OF LABORS

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 6, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 3.

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REPORT OF LABORS.

By P. C. RODMAN

AFTER the Monthly Meeting at Lancaster, Mass., June 6 and 7, I stayed over the following Sabbath and first-day, holding five meetings, all of which I trust were profitable. The meeting on Sabbath day was held at our aged and afflicted Bro. L. Priest's. The ordinances were celebrated in this meeting; and all were comforted and encouraged to press on in the work of overcoming. Bro. Priest suffers much pain at times, but enjoyed the meeting much. His affliction is cancer on the side of his head, and, in all human probability, he will soon sleep; but the blessed hope comforts his heart, and in patience he tries to endure all his sufferings. He told me that friends had often prayed that his last days might be his best days, and he thanked God it was so; for the Lord was good, and sometimes gave him such views of glory as made him forget his sufferings and almost think himself there. We parted with this aged pilgrim, not expecting to meet him again here, but decided to be an overcomer, and so meet him on the other shore when the saints pass through those pearly gates and walk those golden streets. Some of his family are pressing their way on to this blessed abode. I hope they will all obey the Lord in denying self, and taking up the cross and following the Good Shepherd, whose voice is now being heard in the third angel's message.
The Lord has of late added to this church of such as shall be saved, I trust; and will continue to do so if they continue humble, and draw nigh to him.
The 15th, I came on to R. I., and the 16th, spoke at Lafayette village in the Freewill-Baptist meeting-house; good attention. There is one Sabbath-keeper in this place; others are convicted, and I hope will obey and be blessed. Spent the time in reading and visiting; found some interested. Sabbath eve, commenced our Monthly Meeting. Bro. S. N. Haskell came to help, and the Lord blessed.
Sabbath day, a goodly number were present; the social meeting good; but one thing can be bettered: there can be more promptness generally. This will add interest to the meetings, and draw the blessing of God more abundantly upon us. The preaching by Bro. H. was timely and spirited. First-day, it rained, and hindered many from coming in, but our meetings were good; in attending to the ordinances, the Lord came near.
On the whole we think this is the best Monthly Meeting we have ever had in Rhode Island; more humility, more oneness, more thirsting after righteousness, and panting after the living God, than has been manifested before. If the Exeter church carry out the principles of truth in meekness and humble boldness, the Lord will add to their number some of the honest around them. May the gathering spirit attend them more and more as they draw nigh to God.
The 22d, parted with Bro. H. and this church, with other dear children of God who have become endeared to us in the truth, and returned home to find my family in usual health. I tarried forty-eight hours, doing what I could to help them spiritually and temporally. How good it is to be at home! Shall I reach the heavenly home and meet my family there? If we all follow Jesus, loving and obeying God, it may be so; but if we refuse to obey, and do not walk as he walked, the gates of the city will not be entered by us. But now, Jesus invites; now, the call of mercy is sounding. I hope—I pray that we may be saved.
The 24th, I came to this place; spoke in the evening, on the subject of Prayer, to a few that came in. Sabbath, the 27th, spoke once and baptized two. There is a disposition with some here to come up in the work, while others do not move as readily; but I hope to see a taking hold in the work, generally. Brethren, it is dangerous to linger, but safe to advance. Oh! do take the safe course!
Preached this evening on the subject of the Two Covenants, by request. May the truth be blessed and prosper, souls saved, God be honored, and good be done.                                                     P. C. RODMAN.
Green Hill, R. I., June 28.