NEW MARKET, VA by E. B. Lane; J. O. Corliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 6, 1876

NEW MARKET, VA.

By E. B. Lane; J. O. Corliss

At the time of our last report, we were using the M. E. church at this place. The Lutheran minister advertised that he would speak against us, and we announced it publicly. The church and all other public places were then closed against us, and opposition discourses were preached and published until a general feeling of distrust seemed to prevail. At this time our Sabbath congregations numbered about fifty; some had taken a decided stand for the truth, and many others seemed on the point of committing themselves. A few of us stood the test and are firm. Sabbath meetings are held regularly in a private dwelling-house, with a small congregation of about twenty when all are together.

May 4, we pitched the tent, and remained three weeks; reviewed the opposition discourses and regained an influence as far as possible; yet we were unable to bring the interest up to its former standing.

SOLILOQUY.

At Soliloquy, a country church about five miles from New Market, we gave a course of lectures with good attendance. We also held a few meetings in the school-house of an adjoining neighborhood. We have established Sabbath meetings with a general attendance of nearly fifty. The good, melting Spirit of God is with us from week to week, and the influence of our meetings seems lasting. A Bible-class and Sabbath-school have been organized, in which all take a deep interest.

A DISCUSSION.

The Disciple denomination of Edinburg challenged us for a public debate on the Sabbath question. After evading it

for some time, to the injury of the cause, we concluded to accept the challenge. The discussion occupied ten sessions of two hours each. Their position was the old thread-bare one that the law is abolished, which was easily refuted, at least in the minds of candid listeners, giving the truth a decided victory.

THE DUNKARDS.

The strongest opposition we have met has been from the Dunkards, as they take a firm anti-Sabbath ground. They have fined such members as have observed the Sabbath, and expelled them, and exerted their power in every possible manner to intimidate others whom they thought interested. Some good, honest souls, however, have taken a decided stand for the truth. God bless them!

THE TENT

A faultless pattern, fifty feet in diameter, 7 ft. top, 8 oz. wall, double guys fastened with turned clamps, stakes turned and pointed, etc., all nicely painted, with oil-lamps, etc., at a cost of $275.00. We have it pitched at Mt. Jackson. Have had a moderate attendance, and expect to remain only this week. We are of good courage in the Lord.

E. B. LANE, J. O. CORLISS.