Report from Bro. Lawrence.
By R. J. Lawrence
I CLOSED my labors in Bates Co., Oct. 9th. I labored under great disadvantage on account of the house being occupied Sabbaths and first-days by the other denominations, so that I had the privilege of speaking in it only one Sabbath and first-day during my stay of six weeks. The truth met with much opposition. There are thirteen keeping the Sabbath, and several others interested. One of those keeping the Sabbath has been quite a successful minister of the Baptist church. He has been investigating for some time, and is now heartily in sympathy with the leading points of present truth. Oct. 10th, I started for the Kansas camp-meeting, having received notice of it the day before, and arrived on the evening of the 11th. Assisted in clearing the ground, and seating the tent. Was glad to meet on the ground some whom I had seen before, and some whom I had not. There I met Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. and Sr. Hamilton, of Michigan, from whom I learned that the Lord had wrought for one of my sons at the Michigan camp-meeting. I was glad to meet with Bro. Butler, of Iowa, and to hear the truth from him. Was also glad to see Bro. Blanchard and Wick of Missouri, and their families, Bro. Cook and others of Kansas, brethren from Civil Bend and Hamilton, and others from different parts of these States. One came after the meeting was out, a distance of 270 miles. The preaching and testimonies, which we listened to at this meeting were good and applicable to the present167time. The friends enjoyed it much. Several started to serve the Lord. A Missouri and Kansas State Conference was organized, and an appointment given for another camp-meeting the last week in May next, by which the scattered friends were greatly encouraged. I assisted in taking down the tent and packing it. Thursday morning I parted with Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Butler, they going to their respective fields of labor, and I, to this place. I feel much strengthened and encouraged by this opportunity, and trust that there is a new impetus given to the cause of present truth in these States. Brethren, pray for the dear scattered friends and cause in the West. Yours in the truth,
R. J. LAWRENCE.
Kingsville, Johnson Co., Mo., Oct. 27, 1870.