RICHARD ASBURY by Richard Asbury

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 21, 1874

RICHARD ASBURY

By Richard Asbury

Virginia.

EVER since I embraced the third angel's message I have desired to visit Virginia, my native land, and furnish the people with the great and important truths advocated by our people. Starting from Wisconsin in July last in company with my wife, we arrived in the city of Washington in a few days. While there, I sent to Battle Creek for a box of books, tracts, &c. Arriving at Washington they were forwarded to my address in Virginia. Unfortunately they were lost on the boat burned at that time on the Potomac River (the Wawauset). When I ascertained the fact, I ordered another box, which came safe. I immediately began to scatter the tracts all over the country of my former acquaintance, until I had distributed about fifteen dollars' worth. My plan was to select a small package and loan it to a friend with the understanding that he or she would read it and return the same to me, then get another package, and so on, till all were examined. By so doing, I have kept the entire box of reading matter in the hands of the people, each having a variety of matter without any cost except the trouble of reading.

And now as to the result. As it is in most other places, there are some whose prejudices overpower their judgment. With and for them but little can be done. Yet there are others who like the noble Bereans wish to ascertain whether these things be so. And I am happy to say that quite a number are convinced of the truths advocated by our people.

The name Seventh-day Adventist never was heard by the mass of the people before my visit. The majority of the people are very anxious to hear one of our preachers. Now if it is possible that the general Conference or the Wisconsin Conference can assist in this matter, I, “although single-handed and alone,” desire to bear some humble part in the arrangement, and will bear the expense of some active laborer to and from Virginia, if one can come to call out those who may be willing to receive the truth. Correspond with me at Nomini Grove, Westmoreland Co., Va.