Report from Bro. Lamson.
By D. H. Lamson
My last report reached to the close of the first series of meetings in Cottrellville, April 25. I went from there to Memphis, and held six meetings with this church, the results of which have been reported by Bro. Lawrence. I returned home May 2, expecting to go immediately to Indiana to join the Brn. Lane in tent labor. This, however, upon consultation with the Conference Committee, it was thought best not to do; and I went back as soon as possible to St. Clair Co. I stayed in Cottrellville, holding meetings and visiting families interested in present truth, from May 12 to 22. These meetings confirmed some in the truth; others, although convinced, have not yet found courage to take a decided stand upon it. I pray that God may yet help them to open their hearts to receive the impress of his divine law. Others are still investigating; some, perhaps, hoping that the things they have heard are not true, yet fearing they are. May they not forget that it is both the willing and the obedient that shall eat the good of the land and yield their hearts to Him who gave his life for them. May 23, I had an appointment at Brockway Center, and upon arriving there found the people somewhat stirred up, as it was the night of the Methodist prayer-meeting. The class leader had given way to us; but a certain minister in the place objected, standing in the door to keep us out. The director was informed; and he came with lock and key, and closed the house against all. By a petition, however, the house has since been opened, and is free for all, S. D. Adventists as well as others. There was a large, new woolen factory in the place, but partly filled with its machinery, and to this we were invited, it being hastily fitted for the occasion. It was thought a hundred and fifty were out to hear. The next evening the audience was largely increased. This place now failed us, as more machinery had arrived and must occupy the space; so the meeting was appointed for one evening more in an unfinished church with but a loose floor, partly sided and virtually roofless. This proved uncomfortable as a place of meeting, and it was difficult on account of the wind to keep the lights burning. The meetings were therefore of necessity postponed indefinitely. Brn. Lawrence and Gurney were fifteen miles away, and I thought best to consult with them as to what could be done. We decided if possible to obtain the tent. Bro. Gurney soon received word by telegraph that the tent would be sent on, and we made immediate preparation to receive it. In the meantime, I returned to Greenwood, a town adjoining Brockway, and held six meetings. Here was a church of first-day Adventists, as they are called, eleven members, five of whom were Sabbath-keepers. They were receiving the REVIEW, and had been trying to keep all God's commandments some months. It may be considered as a result of the Memphis tent-meeting, I think held some nine years before. Tuesday, May 30, Brn. Lawrence and Gurney joined me here at Brockway Center, and we commenced meetings in the tent evening after the Sabbath, June 3. We have had on the whole a very good hearing. The friends in Greenwood have shown a commendable zeal in coming out to meeting, using their influence to get others to come, and in providing for our necessities. May the Lord bless them for their labor of love. We have had no open opposition as yet, but much of the secret order, as ministers and others, have used their influence to keep the people away, and these efforts have proved in some degree effectual. The tent was taken down July 2, having stood just one month. No meetings were held during the last week except on Sabbath and Sunday. I think this was the case also for a portion of the week preceding the last. Meetings were held, however, in several adjoining districts with good results. Thirty have been gathered here who keep the Sabbath. The most of them have formed themselves into a class and appointed a leader with a view to a permanent organization at some future time. For the present, they hold their meetings in the adjoining town of Greenwood, it being the most central for all. Upon the whole, we consider this meeting a success; but there is yet room for a great work to be done in the region round about. During the last week the tent stood, I filled appointments which had been sent to Kenockee, St. Clair, and Cottrellville. I was taken at St. Clair with chills and fever from which I have not entirely recovered, and by the advice of friends have returned home, but hope soon to be able to take the field again. D. H. LAMSON. Olivet, Mich., July 14, 1871.