p. 125 | Reports from the Field by Editor

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Apr 25, 1878

Reports from the Field.

By Editor

(Condensed from Review and Herald.)

Rhode Island.

NIANTIC AND GREEN HILL.—Elder Sanborn writes: "We have just visited Niantic, by special request, and held seven meetings in the Seventh-day Baptist church. It was truly a very interesting occasion. Several came from Westerly. All seemed to be deeply interested. On Monday evening, March 25, commenced the meetings with the Green Hill church. There are twenty or more here who keep the Sabbath. Several have embraced the truth this spring as the result of the labors of the church, with the blessing of God. We assisted them in organizing a Sabbath-school. They were strengthened and encouraged to increased activity in the work of the Lord; and we believe they will stand shoulder to shoulder in battling for the truth. The Lord assisted in presenting close, practical instruction, which was received as meat in due season."

Maine.

NEW SWEDEN.—Brother J. Sawyer writes: "Yesterday, April 6, was an important day to us here in New Sweden. The Sabbath-keepers from different parts of the colony assembled at a central place, where remarks were made from Luke 15. It was the manifest determination of many to 'arise and go to their Father,' and in the language of the prodigal say, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before thee.' The importance of instructing the children was set forth, and appropriate remarks were made by Brethren Olson, Anderson, and Gelotte. It is thought best to form Sabbath-schools in each district where the brethren reside. This will require four schools. There are now about seventy in this vicinity who acknowledge the claims of the Sabbath, and are endeavoring to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; and many search the word daily."

REPORT OF LABOR.—Elder Goodrich reports profitable meetings by Elder Haskell's recent visit to the State. He also writes: "I met with the church on Crotch Island, March 28. Found them all firm in the truth. The 27th, I spoke to the friends on Long Island, and was rejoiced to find two more keeping the Sabbath, and still others are interested. Those who embraced the Sabbath readily leave off the use of tea and tobacco. This is just as it should be."

AROOSTOOK COUNTY.—Brother S. J. Hersum writes: "Commenced meetings on Silver Ridge plantation, Aroostook county, February 25, and continued them until March 23. As a result, eleven are keeping the Sabbath. I took an expression of the congregation to ascertain how many believed we have the truth according to the Bible, and about thirty raised their hands."

New Hampshire.

WASHINGTON.—In a report from Brother Mead he states that April 6 was a good day for the church in Washington. In the forenoon each one present responded to his name, briefly relating his experience for the past few months, and telling his determinations for the future. The forenoon meeting prepared them to engage in celebrating the ordinances of the Lord's house. As each, with ready hand and cheerful heart, engaged in this work, the tender, melting Spirit of Jesus was felt in their midst.

Vermont.

JAMAICA.—Elder Sanborn met with the church at this place April 5, and notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather, a goodly number were present. Gratitude to God and to the Conference is expressed for sending them help. The way is now open to commence labor in a new field a few miles from this place, where there seems to be some interest to hear the truth.

New York.

WELLSVILLE.—Brother Knapp writes: "Our quarterly meeting yesterday and to-day was very interesting. The Niles Hill church met with us, and we were encouraged to be faithful, trusting in his holy name, doing his will in keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Sabbath afternoon, Brother Babcock, pastor of the Scio Seventh-day Baptist church, preached a good sermon from Luke 22:42. After the sermon we had another conference meeting, and two members united with the church, making five additions since our organization, and we trust there are others still to follow."

Pennsylvania.

COVINGTON.—Elder S. B. Whitney writes: "We can still report progress here. Our Sabbath meetings continue to grow better. There are about twenty-five good substantial persons now keeping the Sabbath, quite a share of whom were either backsliders or had never made a profession of religion. They have a weekly evening prayer-meeting arranged. Last evening, April 9, I spoke, by invitation, at Blossburg, a town five miles from Covington, to an attentive congregation with good effect. We have the usual opposition to meet, but it does not hinder the work. We expect others to be gathered in."

Kentucky.

ELIZABETHTOWN.—Elder S. Osborn writes: "Our quarterly meetings held near this place was considered one of the best we have ever had here. Truly God is moving upon the hearts of the people. We have never before had such an outside interest here as there was at this meeting. If we had the men and means to keep up with the interest, a great work could be accomplished in this Conference this year. God is going out ahead of us. But times are so hard that great sacrifice will be required on the part of those who keep the work moving this year."

Georgia.

HOUSTON AND BIBB COUNTIES.—Elder C. O. Taylor writes: "I have recently visited these counties, spoke in the court-house in Perry five times. Sometimes the audiences were quite large, and at all times they were very attentive. Brother Killen has labored faithfully to call the attention of the people to the truth. They wanted me to speak on the Sabbath at my first meeting. There was a large congregation, composed of all classes. There was the very best of attention while I read the Bible. One gentleman expressed himself much interested, and pleased with the manner of the preaching in appealing to the Scriptures. The freedmen improved the opportunity of attending, as the meeting was in the court-house. They were much interested, and urged me to send them a minister of their own color to speak the truth to them. I know of no one. Should any go there, they will have a good hearing. In Bibb county I spoke at a place four miles from Macon, where Brother Wimbish has had meetings the past year. The interest was good."

Illinois.

EFFINGHAM COUNTY.—Brethren Shonk and Morrison report: "We held meetings in a district a few miles from Watson, and as a result, six are keeping the Sabbath. Commenced meetings at Elliotttown. The congregations range from fifty to one hundred and fifty."

Iowa.

WEST UNION.—Elder Canright reports: "The meeting at West Union was held April 4-7. There are very few of our brethren in this place. About a year ago they built a small meeting-house which would seat about seventy-five persons. Of course it was not large enough for our meeting, so the Baptists very kindly gave us the use of their house. There were about seventy-five of our own brethren present, and we enjoyed very good seasons with them, and they seemed to receive the word with much interest and profit. Thus closed my four weeks' labor in Iowa, with Brother Farnsworth. We hope the Lord may bless these efforts to the good of the cause in this State."

LOGAN.—Brother J. Bartlett writes, April 1: "The meeting at this place closed on Sunday night. The Lord was with us, and we had a good meeting. Six were added to the Logan church. This church is growing in the knowledge of the truth."