VIRGINIA by T. H. Painter

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 5, 1901

VIRGINIA

By T. H. Painter

CLIFTON FORGE.—I came to this place the first of September, by order of the Conference, to place our books before the people, and help the tract society out of its present embarrassment. This is a railroad town, and the men are coming and going at all hours of the day and night, so it is somewhat difficult to find them at home. But by the blessing of the Lord, and visiting their homes often, many times at night, I have sold thus far (October 24) one hundred and forty dollars’ worth of our books, also some tracts, and distributed many of our papers in the homes. As I unfold the precious truths to the people, they seem to rejoice, and say, “Why don’t our ministers tell us these things?” They ask me to call again, and so I do. Many seem anxious for me to hold meetings, and also services for children. I expect to hold a series of meetings soon. I have preached a few times in the Main Street Baptist church, by request of the pastor, to large congregations.

When I had been here about two weeks, a man and his wife called to talk with me about the truth. He had formerly been a minister of the Baptist church in Kentucky, and was also a graduate of their college. But he changed his views on the immortality subject and the coming of the Lord, and united with the First-day Adventist people two years ago, taking charge of a church near this town. He had recently decided to go to Springfield, Ohio, where he would receive a larger salary, but hearing of my work, he came to see me. He said he had given up popularity for the little truth already learned, and if the Lord had any light for him, he wanted it. So we sat down and studied together the Sabbath and sanctuary questions. He saw light, and after buying a book and some tracts, he bade me good-by.

I have received two letters from him in which he states that he is thoroughly convinced that we have the truth. He desires to follow his Saviour, and wishes to unite with us, and return to Virginia to labor.

I would be glad to receive copies of the Signs, Good Health, etc., for distribution.

T. H. PAINTER.