Walpole, N. H by Wm. C. Gage

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 20, 1874

Walpole, N. H.

By Wm. C. Gage

I COMMENCED meetings with the tent in this place July 24, and continued until Sept. 27, a period of over nine weeks, during which sixty-seven discourses have been given. Two of these were by a theological student from the Andover Seminary, in opposition to the Sabbath; two each by Bro. Butler and Kilgore, one by Bro. Weston, and the remaining sixty by myself.

The interest has at times been very good, especially during the discussion of the Sabbath question. The theological student above mentioned gave two discourses on alternate evenings, to which I replied on each following evening. This resulted in a complete triumph for the truth, as evinced by the popular vote. At the close of the fourth evening he expressed a desire to be heard again, to which I assented on condition that the people wished to hear him. On putting the question to vote, a man and a boy only, rose in favor of his continuing.

The next Sunday forenoon the orthodox minister preached in favor of Sunday-keeping in his own house of worship, and I replied in the tent in the afternoon. This comprises all the public opposition we have had to meet, but there has been a powerful and unrelenting secret opposition operating with much effect to keep people from attending the meetings. Ridicule and slander have not been spared as weapons of offence against us and those who attended, and have in some measure been effectual in keeping away those who had not the courage to face the storm.

The cool evenings during the last two weeks necessitated the use of a stove in the tent, and by the aid of a good anthracite fire the congregations were kept quite comfortable.

The interest has been greatly fostered by means of small handbills, which I have printed and distributed as occasion seemed to demand, having free access to a printing office at any time I desired. This has been a great help, and I would call the attention of tent laborers to it as a valuable auxiliary, in some places at least, as demonstrated also by Bro. Cornell and Canright.

As the result of this campaign about twenty are now keeping all the commandments.

A few more decided to obey, but proved to be stony-ground hearers.

Since the tent came down, I have given a few lectures in the village of Westminster, Vt., across the river from here, and only two miles distant. Shall continue there if the interest seems to warrant, so as to be near the cause here, and be able to meet with them on the Sabbath. Meetings are now held in a private house, which seems to be the best we can do at present. Our Sabbath meetings are excellent, the new converts taking hold of the work in speaking and in prayer, and seeming to be in love with the truth.

As for myself I feel that I have been greatly blessed in thus trying to help others, and I am determined to give myself unreservedly to the work of the Lord, and to consecrate whatever talent he has given me to the service of his cause. I ask the prayers of the brethren and sisters that the continued blessing of God may be with me in my labors. Wm. C. GAGE.

Walpole, N. H., Oct. 8, 1874.