J. S. WASHBURN by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 23, 1906

J. S. WASHBURN

By J. S. Washburn

Tennessee

NASHVILLE.—The interest in our meetings here is still very encouraging. Last Sunday night we had a large audience. The special subject, no doubt, was one of the reasons for the increased attendance, being one in which many are interested, that is, the subject of the unpardonable sin. We feel that a deep and solemn impression was made upon the people present, who were an intelligent and excellent class, and who gave the best attention.

One week ago last Sabbath at least nine kept their first Sabbath, and more than twelve are now keeping the Sabbath as the result of these meetings and Bible work that has been recently done. Some are having a hard struggle to decide this matter. The ministers are opposing very earnestly, some of them having gone so far as to state publicly that their members would be expelled if they attended our meetings. Many opposition sermons have been preached. Several opposition articles in the papers have also appeared. The two daily papers still give us, as a rule, excellent reports each day. Sometimes there is an omission, but not often.

Several have responded to the appeal for means to help on the tent-meeting expenses. As stated in a previous report, Sister White sent thirty dollars for this purpose. Several others in the North and South have also sent in donations, for which we feel more thankful to God than we can tell. We ought to have a fund constantly in hand, not only for the present series of tent-meetings, but for the expenses of an active campaign in Nashville, and later on in Atlanta and other great Southern cities.

We are pleased with the climate and with the people of the South. The former is most healthful, the latter very cordial and hospitable. A great work must be done in this Southern field, and this work must be made self-supporting. The membership of the Nashville church is increasing, and their tithe is certainly very commendable. There are problems and difficulties here, dear brethren and sisters, but God has not spoken in vain through the spirit of prophecy, appealing earnestly that a great work should be done in the South.

One interesting and encouraging feature just at present is that it has been decided that the camp-meeting shall be held on the same ground where our tent-meeting has been conducted. Thus our tent-meetings will close with a large attendance, and, we believe, with good, spiritual meetings. We shall be very thankful for the help at this time of Elder K. C. Russell and other laborers from the General Conference Committee. I am hoping that it may be possible for Elder Daniells to be at this meeting for at least a day or two.

Dear brethren and sisters, pray for the work in the South, that God may give us wisdom that a great work may be accomplished here.