ARKANSAS by H. Clay Griffin

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 26, 1901

ARKANSAS

By H. Clay Griffin

BLACK ROCK.—At the close of the debate between Elder Field and Mr. Lawson, I began a meeting at Fair View schoolhouse, five miles from Black Rock (the church house at this place having been previously closed to Adventists), September 24, and continued with good interest until the school directors closed the doors, November 3. This is by far the hardest field in which I have ever labored. The people seem to be afraid to invite me to their homes, though a few good families gave me a hearty welcome, but would frequently leave me alone at the schoolhouse; and one night I had the privilege of sleeping there alone. But with my heavy ducking blackboard thrown over the recitation bench near the stove, with my dress coat for a bed and my Bible for a pillow, and three charts pinned together to wrap my feet in, I slept as soundly as though angels were hovering near. In fact, I claimed the promise in Ps. 34:7. The Lord was working with the people, and many were interested in the truth when the directors informed me that the floor and walls of the house were being damaged by tobacco chewers, and that the people were tired of the meeting, and I must close. The last week of the meeting the audience was the best I had had, the house being crowded the last night. Sometime during the last week of the meeting some one stole four of my lamps, my commandment chart, and a new copy of “Marvel of Nations,” which I had just received.

Ten have signed the covenant, two or three others are keeping the Sabbath, and many are deeply interested. I will begin a meeting, God willing, at Pleasant Hill schoolhouse, about two miles from Fair View, next Sunday night, the 10th inst., and in the meantime visit the interested ones near Fair View.

I have sent in three subscriptions for the REVIEW, and one for the Signs. I could use clean copies of our papers and tracts (English) if sent at once, prepaid, to me at Black Rock.

I am of good courage, and by the help and grace of God, will press the battle to the gates.

H. CLAY GRIFFIN.