Indiana by E. B. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · BATTLE CREEK, MICH. · Jan 17, 1871

Indiana.

By E. B. Lane

The camp-meeting here has been a great benefit to the cause in this State. It not only cast a good influence over the entire community where it was held, but was the means of uniting the hearts of the brethren and sisters to the work and its leaders; for there seems now to be perfect union and harmony in the feelings of the brethren here, and the work elsewhere. I mention this from the fact that some who have embraced the truth, came out under the labors of those who were in opposition to the spirit of the work generally.

After the camp-meeting, I spent some time laboring with the brethren in Howard and Henry Counties; with the brethren in Howard, setting before them the necessity of coming up to the work, laying aside everything that would not recommend them to the favor of God, and becoming pure and holy in his sight. Two embraced the truth, twenty-nine were baptized, and others expect to go forward in this solemn duty. We enjoyed much of the Spirit and blessing of God in these meetings.

From this place, I came to Sulphur Spring, Henry Co. Here is a church of about twenty members, who came out under the labors of Eld. Snook. They were feeling somewhat disheartened and discouraged, on account of the course pursued by him. I found that Eld. S. differed quite materially with us on many vital points of present truth. I therefore presented said points of difference; some received our views, others are still investigating, desiring to know the real truth. All seemed to feel a desire to be in union with the work. I find these brethren to be men of influence and respectability before the world. Although these had been led, through the influence of others, to look with some suspicion upon those who are trying to give the third message, still I hope the time is not far distant when we shall see eye to eye, on all points.

By earnest request of a Bro. Wrightsman, who resides ten miles distant in Blue River Township, I concluded to go to his neighborhood and give a course of lectures. Bro. W. has been keeping the Sabbath since last March. He was formerly a member, and minister in good standing in the old Christian church, who have since renewed his credentials, thereby giving him liberty to labor among them, and advocate Advent views. He has even now earnest solicitations from different churches of that order, to come and preach to them, and to set forth his belief, no matter if there exists a difference. Such is the interest to hear the truth in these parts. I commenced labor in Bro. W.'s neighborhood, Nov. 25. I occupied a large school-house which was crowded to its utmost capacity, with interested listeners. I gave but two or three discourses before an earnest solicitation came to speak in the Christian church at Circlesville, four miles distant. I concluded to divide the time, giving one week in each place at a time, till I had finished the course. I had given but a few discourses, when my wife, who is with me, was taken sick with typhoid fever. She grew worse, and for a time, her life was despaired of; but through the goodness of God she has so far recovered that she can sit up part of the time, and is fast recovering. Thirty-nine days ago, she was taken. I had almost the entire care of her night and day. I have had but one full night's rest during the time; still God has given me strength to endure this affliction, and continue my labors in his cause. So I have lost but two discourses on my wife's account. I am now giving the Sabbath question in both places; have had no Sabbath meetings with them yet, so have not had an opportunity of deciding how many will embrace the truth. I look for quite a number to obey. A doctor S. of this place has taken hold of the truth. One Sunday, at a meeting of the Christian Friends, he arose and made a public acknowledgment that he had been breaking the Sabbath all his life, and he meant to reform. It made quite a sensation in the meeting, the minister and others coming out in open opposition. Still the doctor maintains the Sabbath question, and the society has held no meetings since. They say there is no use so long as this doctrine is stirring up the people as it is.

I would say in conclusion, that God is very good to me, in sparing my dear companion, and raising her up again when she has been so near the grave; and I have great reason to praise God for his goodness to me.

I hope to ever be faithful in his service, and be the means of bringing many to a saving knowledge of the truth. Dear brethren, pray for the cause in this part of the vineyard.

In hope of eternal life, E. B. LANE.

Jan. 4, 1871.