Labors in Missouri by R. J. Lawrence

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 27, 1870

Labors in Missouri.

By R. J. Lawrence

I commenced meetings, Dec. 2, in Bates Co. Having learned that the Methodist minister who opposed so strenuously when I was there before, had grossly misrepresented me, and had denied his own positions, I sought the first opportunity of getting out an appointment at the school-house, where I spoke three times, calling up his positions and my replies, and giving some additional testimony.

The elder then went to an other school-house some four miles away, and set me before the people in a ridiculous light. I therefore closed my meetings at the former house on Sunday evening, intending to commence next evening at the latter place. But the Methodists having meetings there two evening, I commenced on Wednesday and continued one week, speaking mostly on the Sabbath question, until Sunday evening, when I called the attention of the people to the elder’s discourse one week before. I referred them to his misrepresentations, then made statements of facts, and called on witnesses to testify, which they did. His statements were shown to be false. He also denied positions which he had before taken. I proved by several witnesses that he took those positions. My object was to set the matter before the minds of the people in its true light. I think they were satisfied.

I continued three evenings more. The result was, some six or seven decided to keep the Sabbath. There are now eighteen in that part keeping the Sabbath. We established Sabbath meeting, and a Bible-class.

The people here move slowly in deciding on religious questions. Two subscribed for the REVIEW, and one for the Reformer. I returned to this place on Friday last. Held two meetings yesterday, and one on the Sabbath. I expect to remain here one week, and then go to Kansas.

R. J. Lawrence.