R. J. LAWRENCE by R. J. Lawrence

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 24, 1872

R. J. LAWRENCE

By R. J. Lawrence

Kansas.

My last report was from Marysville, Nov. 3. From that place I came to Parallel, Riley Co. Found several brethren from Iowa, just commencing here anew—Brn. Curl, Sheats, Miles, and others. I commenced meetings the 8th, and continued until the 24th, giving twenty-four discourses. Organized a church of thirteen members, two of whom were from the Baptist church, and commenced for the first time to keep all of the commandments of God. Bro. Miles was elected elder, Bro. Curl, deacon, and Bro. Hoover, clerk. Organized Systematic Benevolence amounting to $90.00. These brethren were holding Sabbath meetings, but some of them were indulging in the use of tea, coffee, and tobacco. We bore our testimony, and they promised to give them up. Oh! when will the church be rid of these abominations? They seemed much refreshed, and took new courage, determined to overcome.

The 25th, Bro. Hoover brought me fifty miles, to Concordia, where I expected to meet some one from Bull City to take me to that place; but the brethren there receive but one mail a week, hence did not get my letter in time to meet me. Not finding them, I secured a chance for my baggage on board of a loaded wagon, took my staff, and walked much of the way for eighty-five miles, arriving at Bro. Corbs’, one mile west of Bull City, the 29th, at 3 p. m. Was surprised to find Bro. Elder and family here from the Big Springs’ church.

Sabbath, the 30th, went six miles to the Little Medicine, and spoke to twenty-five persons gathered in the log house of Bro. Jaycox, M. D., formerly of Ohio. Here I met with Bro. Norman Dixon and wife, and mother. I expect to remain here as long as duty may demand. There are about thirty here, scattered over a territory of some twenty miles. Brethren, pray for the scattered ones.

R. J. LAWRENCE

Dec. 1, 1872.