p. 166 | Indiana by S. H. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 7, 1871

Indiana.

By S. H. Lane

Our last report was from Bowling Green, Clay Co. We were then laboring with the tent. The interest increased from first to last, the congregations ranging from one to four hundred. The truth made an excellent impression on the public mind. Many searched the Scriptures daily to see if the words spoken were true. Several decided to obey God by keeping his commandments. When we took down the tent, the church belonging to the Christian denomination was kindly offered us to hold meetings in each Sabbath and first-day when not occupied. We spoke each Sabbath and first-day for three weeks. During the time, two of their ministers spoke against our views. We replied to them, which created much interest and left a good influence in favor of the truth. We were finally denied the use of the house. The refusal, however, came only from a few, the majority being in favor of letting us have the house.

Our being denied the house caused much excitement among those interested. The treasurer and recorder of the county took immediate measures to procure for us a house in which to speak. In order to do so, they endeavored to purchase the Baptist church. After ascertaining its value, they concluded to procure it. Before the contract was completed, the Baptists concluded not to part with it. They received it back with the understanding that we could have it to preach in. Since then, we have occupied it when occasion has demanded. The people are still interested to hear the truth.

We next pitched the tent in Gosport, Owen Co. At this point we met much opposition. The ministers did much to keep the people away. The congregations were not so large as at other places. Some became much interested, and a few made up their minds to obey. The minister of the Christian church spoke against us on the Sabbath question. His remarks were replied to by my brother, before a large and attentive congregation.

From Gosport we went to Middletown, Henry Co. In this county, Eld. B. F. Snook traveled quite extensively just before he departed from the faith altogether. His apostatizing left a bad impression on the public, and supposing we belonged to the same society, they were very much prejudiced. Notwithstanding this, the congregation increased from the first. We disposed of about twenty-five dollars' worth of books and tracts. There are a few brethren and sisters living near this point who embraced the Sabbath under the labors of B. F. Snook. They did much to sustain the meetings. We are thankful unto the Lord that we can report that they are in the fullest sympathy with the truths of the third angel's message, and are doing much to extend the light thereof by sending books, tracts, and papers, to various parts of the country.

We regret that we were obliged to leave while the people were anxious to hear further; but were compelled to do so in order to pitch the tent on the camp-ground. We hope to return as the way may open and follow up the interest.

The camp-meeting was a good one. The Spirit of the Lord was evidently present to bless. The influence of the meeting for good upon the community has fully met the expectations of the brethren and sisters in that vicinity. The cause seems to be onward in this new field. Calls for labor come in from many points. Truly the harvest is a great one, and those who labor are few. Let us pray, brethren and sisters, that the Lord may raise up more. S. H. LANE. Gosport, Ind., Oct. 15, 1871.