WILMINGTON, N. C., AND NORFOLK, VA
20%Page 347
WILMINGTON, N. C., AND NORFOLK, VA.
By I. E. Kimball
For the present my work in Wilmington, where I have labored nine weeks, is closed. There was not a little interest to hear the kingdom of God preached, even to the last; and I have left my wife in that city to continue the work, giving Bible readings and instructing more fully those who have begun to keep the Sabbath. She will remain there for several weeks. Her address is 913 North Seventh St., Wilmington, N. C. Many were convinced of the truthfulness of our position on the Sabbath question, and began to obey. Then opposition rose high, and some became confused, and gave over their effort to obey. One of the preachers who had confessed the truth, preached against it, and I had the privilege of answering him publicly; and this effort to throw off the Sabbath resulted in its confirmation among his people. Some are now resolute and obedient.348Others are fully convinced, and intend to obey when they can, but think it impossible just now, as they are bound by contracts, etc. Sabbath-keeping, although a trial and at present a cross to the colored man of the South, will prove, in the near future, in the confusion of the time of trouble, his very salvation: for its tendency is to make him more independent, to eliminate him from the thralldom of human servitude. When man's efforts come to naught, when work is at a standstill, the great corporations close down, and tens of thousands are thrown out of employment, to face famine and starvation, then those who have been obedient to the Sabbath will find that, by sending the truth to them, the Lord snatched them graciously from the vortex of suffering and ruin. I am now at 252 Charlotte St., Norfolk, Va. Within a radius of five miles there are one hundred and twenty-five thousand persons, and so far as I can learn the Third Angel's Message has never been presented here. I have begun meetings in the churches, with excellent interest. This is a busy, tumultuous city. I shall try to do faithful work, in the fear of God, and hope that the brethren will pray for the work here. I. E. KIMBALL.