Lafayette Co., Mo by J. H. Rogers

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 13, 1874

Lafayette Co., Mo.

By J. H. Rogers

OUR quarterly meeting, the 27th and 28th of December, at Pleasant Ridge, Lafayette Co., was one of interest and encouragement to the cause here. Several of the brethren and sisters were over from Johnson County. We celebrated the ordinances the evening after the Sabbath. There seems to be a coming up on the part of nearly all to the positions we, as a people, occupy. Our views on health reform are favorably received, and some are making advancement in that direction. Organized Systematic Benevolence, all acting nobly. They have also a Bible-class, a Sabbath-school, and a weekly prayer-meeting. There seems to be a good disposition to work on the part of this church; and, if all will go forward and discharge their duty, they will gain an experience, which is so important for those to have who profess this truth.

A new year has just commenced. Shall we renew our vows unto the Lord, brethren and sisters, and take hold with renewed energy and zeal in the department of the work to which the Master has called us? To the preaching brethren I would say, Let us seek to gather sheaves into the garner of the Lord, “work while the day is shining,” and let no worldly consideration keep us out of the path of duty, remembering the reward is “by-and-by.”

We say that we believe time is short. How shall we prove it? Surely, not by withholding our efforts. A spirit of sacrifice is necessary on our part, if we prove our faith genuine. To say that we believe this truth is merely “cheap talk,” unless we do something, either by giving of our means, or by going out into the field. Then, as was said not long ago, “shall this work be sustained.” Shall we be content with being pleasantly situated, while souls are perishing around us for want of a knowledge of the truth?

J. H. Rogers.

Page City, Lafayette Co., Mo., Jan. 1, 1874.