Report of Labors by N. Orcutt

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 16, 1872

Report of Labors.

By N. Orcutt

In my last report, Oct. 12, 1871, I spoke of having held meetings in Stratton, Vt., a new field, the last first-day. I spent every first-day but one there, until Dec. 10. Spoke seventeen times, mostly on various points of present truth. A few who came out to hear, chose the traditions of men rather than the commandments of God, while the majority, Gallio like, “cared for none of those things.” Were it not for the assurance that if we are always abounding in the work of the Lord, our labor shall not be in vain in him, the servants of God, under such circumstances, might sink in discouragement. But with this assurance, they may well be steadfast, unmovable, sowing the seed in the morning, withholding not in the evening, remembering that the Lord has said: “Thou knowest not whether shall prosper this or that, or whether both shall be alike good.” The truth must be preached for a witness, to justify or condemn. The tares are ripened for destruction by the same dew, rain, and sunshine, that mature the wheat for the heavenly garner.

Nov. 25 and 26, quarterly meeting with the church here. Two members of the Andover church came from Mt. Holly to meet with us. We enjoyed good liberty in our meetings on the Sabbath, and (I quote from my diary) “evening after the Sabbath we enjoyed the blessing of God in large measure while we waited on him in the observance of the ordinances of his house.” On the occasion of the fast, Feb. 10 and 11, we enjoyed an interesting, and we trust a profitable, season.

Since Dec. 10, have labored as I have been able with the church here, having, when the weather and state of the roads would permit, besides our Sabbath meetings, two evening meetings per week. The church have manifestly been benefited, encouraged, and stirred to an effort for higher attainments in the divine life. Much prejudice has been removed, some have been led to acknowledge the truth, and we trust they may also be led to obey and be sanctified through it.

While we sincerely regret that obstacles have been in the way, manifestly hindering the progress of the work of God in our midst, we are thankful for the degree of the divine favor and blessing we have enjoyed, for the good degree of union that prevails among us, and we will still labor on in hope, and with an earnest endeavor to so declare the whole counsel of God that the blood of our fellow-men may not be required at our hands.

N. Orcutt.

Jamaica, Vt., April 1, 1872.