Reports from the Field

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 7, 1878

Reports from the Field.

(Condensed from Review and Herald.)

Massachusetts.

Danvers.—The work at this place is still progressing. Elder Canright reports having had a very interesting debate with a First-day Adventist, on the Sabbath question. This has served to strengthen those who have already accepted the Sabbath, and is a general topic with others. Elder C. writes: “The next evening after the debate closed, we had a full attendance at our prayer and social meeting. We have not had a better meeting in our house. Every moment was occupied, the brethren rising in quick succession, sometimes two or three at a time. All expressed themselves as stronger in the truth than ever, and thankful for the light they had received. Sabbath day nearly all were present. The attendance at Sabbath-school was larger than ever before, one hundred and eighteen being present. Nearly as many came in the afternoon, and again all thanked God for the light on the Sabbath and this blessed truth. Nearly every family among our people, and a great many outside, take our periodicals, and are well supplied with our books and pamphlets. There are now one hundred adult Sabbath-keepers here, besides children, not one of whom observed the Sabbath when our tent was pitched here last August. About one-half of them had never been Christians. Now nearly every one is a praying person. The filthy habit of tobacco-using has almost entirely disappeared from among them. Sunday afternoon and evening our house was crowded full, as usual. Though we have had preaching here almost constantly for six months, yet our regular attendance Sunday is about three hundred. A large share of these believe the present truth just as firmly as those who are keeping the Sabbath; and, indeed, many of them seem to love it just as well, and are as zealous in advocating it. They give of their means and their influence to support the cause. There is work enough for us to stay, and labor constantly; but probably it is not best. Thus ends my labor in Danvers for the present. I hope to return once more for a couple of weeks before the tent season. My address will be Danvers, Mass., as before. I am glad to say that Mrs. Canright, through the blessing of God, is recovering very rapidly. The prospect now is that she will soon be entirely well. For all these mercies we feel thankful to God.”

Michigan.

Branch County.—Elder Littlejohn and Brother Burnham report further labor among the churches. February 11-18 meetings were held with the church at Quincy. Among the members are those who are qualified for the service of God by the possession of both the grace of the Spirit and intellectual ability. At the last service the house, although large, was filled with intelligent and attentive hearers. Several members of other denominations took an active part in the social meetings.

Deerfield.—Brethren J. S. and C. A. Preston report a good interest here. By special request a second discourse was given on the sanctuary; at the close of which an expression was called for to see how many would keep all the commandments, and the faith of Jesus. Over twenty arose, including four who have been keeping the Sabbath for four years. These have been a help and encouragement in the work in this place.

Iowa.

Fremont.—Elder McCoy writes: “At this place, eight precious souls, adults, have covenanted to obey God, and there is a good prospect for as many more. At my last meeting, two arose for prayers, whose conversion would be a great triumph for the truth.”

Nebraska.

Weeping Water.—Brother Hackworth writes: “Have just closed a series of meetings in a school-house, south-west of here. Thirteen signed the covenant. I took an expression to see how many believed we had the truth, and about twenty arose. We established regular Sabbath meetings.”