Reports from the Field

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Feb 21, 1878

Reports from the Field.

(Condensed from Review and Herald.)

Missouri.

HOLDEN, INDEX, ROCKVILLE, AND NEVADA IN THE CITY.—Elder Butler writes: “Since my last report have held meetings in these places. Have labored mostly to help the Sabbath-keepers, giving instruction on practical subjects, and especially concerning the T. and M. work. Our meetings have been profitable, and the preaching well received. Clubs for the Signs are being formed in every church we have visited, to be paid for mostly on the monthly installment plan. Quite a number have promised to lay aside tobacco, tea, and coffee, and the sentiment in favor of health reform is strengthening. And best of all, many are feeling more the importance of seeking God and being alive in his work. I feel certain there is a healthy change taking place in the spiritual atmosphere where I have been, which I trust may continue till there is a radical change for the better. The work is laborious, and not so encouraging as I could wish; still I feel of good hope. Our business is to sow the seed. It is the Lord’s work to make it grow. It is for us to sow in faith, labor in courage and hope, and trust him always. I expect to see better days in Missouri. There is a disposition kindling up here to go to work for the Lord. We hope to see it continue till the cloud is lifted.”

Alabama.

BLADEN SPRINGS.—Elder Burrill writes, February 4: “During the past week several have decided to obey the truth. The interest is increasing. People come from a greater distance, and express a lively interest in the doctrines advocated. To-day we commence erecting a church, in the place of the one burned down two months ago. Have a Sabbath-school of forty members. Nineteen have received the ordinance of baptism.”

Georgia.

REYNOLDS.—Elder C. O. Taylor writes: “The Lord is moving upon hearts, and causing his truth to spread in this southern clime. Something over four months since I formed an acquaintance with an Adventist minister. In a recent letter from him he says, ‘I am convinced of the truth on the Sabbath, and have begun the new year keeping all of God’s commandments.’ This brother has been very decided in defending what truth he had, especially the plain Bible doctrine of immortality only through Jesus. I trust that he will be as faithful in defending the down-trodden Sabbath of the Lord.”

Pennsylvania.

SCOTT CENTER.—Brother E. W. Whitney writes: “Have now been here nearly seven weeks, and have spoken twenty-eight times. Have sold about five dollars’ worth of books, and obtained ten subscriptions on our different periodicals. Six have commenced to keep the Sabbath making eight who are now keeping it, and there are others for whom we hope.”

Illinois.

RUTLAND.—Brethren G. W. Colcord and C. H. Bliss report, February 4: “We commenced labor here January 25. To date we have spoken fourteen times, besides attending seven prayer-meetings and one business session. Yesterday we organized a church of nine members. Three or four have embraced the Sabbath since we came here, and we hope for several others.”

Kansas.

LIMESTONE.—Brother Santee writes: “We have held meetings at this place about two weeks. As the result, eight more are observing the Sabbath. The interest is deep, and those taking hold are substantial.”

Nebraska.

TAYLOR VALLEY.—Elder Nettleton writes: “The series of meetings commenced at this place January 5, closed last evening. They have been well attended. Had some opposition from a Congregationalist minister of the place, on the subject, of the kingdom, who, when I was absent, spoke on the subject, and advocating the theory that the kingdom was set up at the first advent of our Lord. When I returned, I had good liberty in reviewing his position, to a crowded house. At the close of the meetings, over twenty voted in favor of the Sabbath. Twelve signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, five of whom had never before made a profession of religion. There are several others who are deeply interested, and who will, I think, yet take a stand for the truth.”

Maine.

WOODLAND.—Brother J. Sawyer writes: “We labored here nearly three weeks, speaking mostly on the prophecies, and distributing tracts. Spoke four times in Swedish. The hearers were many of them Union Covenanters, a people who hold views on the prophecies very much like those of the Seventh-day Adventists. They have a conference, and hold quarterly and monthly meetings. There are six ministers belonging to this body, three of whom believe in the Lord’s Sabbath, yet do not preach it. Some of this body have accepted the Sabbath, and are anxious to receive more light.”