p. 78 | NEW MARKET, VA by E. B. Lane; John O. Corliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 9, 1876

NEW MARKET, VA.

By E. B. Lane; John O. Corliss

We came here Jan. 28, 1876, and engaged a large hall and commenced meetings Feb. 1, but, through the influence of others, the trustees closed the hall against us after we had held one meeting. We then went about five miles into the country, and engaged a Christian church and gave out an appointment.

In the meantime, however, the citizens of the town had become so aroused that they severely censured the course these individuals had taken, and determined to hear for themselves. They accordingly applied to the M. E. minister for permission to use the Methodist church, which was kindly granted, and sent a man to recall us. We returned, and have since held meetings in their house between other appointments, which gave us five evenings each week. The remainder of the time we have occupied the Christian church, carrying on two series of meetings at the same time.

The Sabbath question has been pretty thoroughly canvassed, and meetings were held in both places last Sabbath, with an attendance of about sixty in each place. Of this number, perhaps one-half or more kept the Sabbath for the first time. Among these were quite a number of colored people. The meetings were truly affecting. A colored man arose in one of the congregations, and in brokenness of heart said, “I thank God that I have lived to see this day, and that I am here and enjoy his blessing. I am determined to keep all of God's commandments. I know my skin is black, but I do want to be saved. I believe Heaven is for me as well as others, and by the help of God I mean to be there.” There was scarcely a dry eye in the house, and many wept aloud. The Spirit and power of God was in our midst in a wonderful manner, and to him be all the praise.

Urgent invitations come in from every quarter for us to go and hold meetings. We have already ten such calls, and every few days a man will ride over to see us, and ask why we do not go and speak to them. It is truly affecting at times to hear their earnest pleadings for the truth. But opposition begins to show itself on the part of the ministry, and we expect it will grow more bitter as the truth advances. We need a tent for the summer campaign, and hope to procure one.

We find the people of the South very hospitable, and although we came here entire strangers, not knowing an S. D. Adventist in the State, we have found many warm friends and homes in which we are welcome. Our courage in the Lord is good, and we enjoy great freedom, and much of his blessing in presenting the truth.

E. B. LANE, J. O. CORLISS.

New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va., Feb. 28, 1876.