New England by P. C. Rodman

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 21, 1872

New England.

By P. C. Rodman

From Feb. 15 until March 12, gave some twenty-five lectures in Ludlow, Mass. Congregation averaged about twenty-five or thirty, until sickness kept some away who appeared interested. We had some hope that two or three families would turn to the Lord and obey the truth, but only one person has decided, so far, to keep the Sabbath. Bro. Kellogg and wife were comforted and strengthened in the truth. We hope others may yet turn to the Lord in that place, and prepare to meet our soon-coming Saviour.

Gave two lectures in Jenksville. One on spiritualism was listened to with deep interest. The Methodist minister expressed himself much pleased, saying that the lecture had helped his mind in regard to the subject very much, and made some passages of Scripture plain that before he knew not how to understand. He subscribed for the Health Reformer, and the congregation took all the works we had with us on spiritualism. He gave me an earnest invitation to come again.

I arranged Systematic Benevolence with the few Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity, and they proposed to hold meetings as often as every two weeks.

March 11, reached my home in Rhode Island. Found my family in usual health. Thank God for his care over us.

From the 15th to 25th, held meetings at Curtis' Corners to the encouragement of brethren and sisters there. The brethren in Green Hill manifest confidence in the work, and a determination to hold fast, with but few exceptions.

April 8, in Westerly. Brethren here have held no meetings since Bro. and sister White were here, having no convenient place to hold them. They have now a comfortable place, and have started meetings. I met with them several times and they appear to be of good courage and decided to persevere. They meet every third-day evening, and on the Sabbath, having covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and hold up the truth of the second coming of Jesus.

April 20 and 21, attended a good quarterly meeting at Lafayette. The meeting of the tract society was interesting, and reports encouraging. Continued here until the 24th, visiting friends, holding in all six meetings.

May 3, came to South Lancaster to attend quarterly meeting. Reports in the tract society show that the work is progressing in nearly all parts of the Conference. Stopped here until the 13th, trying to comfort and encourage the brethren; and I am pleased to report improvement with nearly all since last quarterly meeting, and still a disposition to improve. Satan has tried hard to destroy this church, but in drawing near to God they take the way of safety.

P. C. RODMAN. South Lancaster, Mass., May 3, 1872.