Hardin Co., Ky by S. Osborn

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 8, 1873

Hardin Co., Ky.

By S. Osborn

At the time of my last report, I was about starting to visit the brethren in Hardin Co. I arrived at Bro. Barr's, Locust Grove, Feb. 12. They were looking for me, and anxious to have me come.

On the evening of the Sabbath, the 14th, I commenced meetings at the Locust Grove school-house. There was quite a respectable attendance while the weather was anything like favorable; but it was most of the time very unfavorable and the roads so bad that but few could come out. Prejudice and persecution rage here very much, consequently there can be but little good done, more than to strengthen the friends of the cause. It is thought, however, that there is not so much prejudice existing as there was when Bro. Bordeaux was here.

I gave some fourteen public discourses, all, except one, at the school-house and at Bro. Barr's, at Locust Grove. One new one came out on the Sabbath, and there are a few others of whom we have strong hopes.

The brethren and sisters here are of the right stamp, and are whole-hearted in the work. There is quite a contrast between their former teaching and what it is now. All but one came out of the Disciple church, which has hardly anything right save the form of baptism. They have no prayer, no testimonies borne in meeting, especially by the sisters, no Spirit except the word, and many other errors seemed to be rooted and grounded in their hearts. This made it necessary to spend considerable time in getting this little company into working order. They were all willing to enter right into the work, and although their prayers and testimonies were not glossed over very nicely, nor very lengthy, yet the very emotions of the soul were made manifest in their few words and actions. The four Sabbaths I was there, we had good social meetings. The power of the Spirit of God was felt in our midst, and we all wept together. Praise the Lord.

Sister Williams, late of Kansas, was there. She is a lady of ability. She became interested in the truth through the influence of the sisters Combs. Though this sect was everywhere spoken against, yet she saw such a great change wrought for the better, especially in sister Bettie Combs (the only daughter of Dr. Combs, a man of affluence and influence), who had formerly been proud, and vain of her costly apparel, that it had a good effect upon her mind. These things, with the cautious zeal they exercised in the matter had an influence to draw her attention to the truth, notwithstanding she had determined not to read anything on the subject of our faith. Brethren and sisters, this is only one example of what an influence a godly walk and proper living before those with whom we associate, will have. The cause of God will always prosper in such hands and under such influences.

Sunday, the 9th of March, spent most of the forenoon in fixing and damming up a stream, to make a fit place for baptism. After a discourse upon that subject, we repaired to the place prepared for that purpose, where seven souls, who we truly believe were dead to sin, were buried with Christ in baptism, to rise to walk in newness of life. May God ever be near them to help them carry out their convictions of duty.

Evening of the same day, we attended to the ordinances of the Lord's house. It was truly a solemn time to see those dear friends for the first time attend to feet washing. The power of God was felt in our midst and we enjoyed a feast of heavenly things; after which, we organized temporarily a little band of eight persons, who covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Systematic Benevolence was arranged, amounting to $38.40. There are two more who will become members as soon as an opportunity is offered them, making ten in all. This is the first church of our faith in the State. We ask the prayers of all in behalf of the cause in Kentucky.

S. OSBORN.

March, 1873.