p. 46 | KENTUCKY by S. Osborn

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 10, 1876

KENTUCKY

By S. Osborn

Nov. 27, 28, I met with the few at Springville, but the weather being very rainy and roads muddy, the outside attendance was small. Gave two discourses. A business meeting was held in which to re-arrange s. B., and subscriptions were taken to purchase a tent to use in the South next summer. Some members of this church were not present that might have been. They could not spare the time. It is all deception to suppose that we love the truth when no sacrificing spirit is manifested for it. All true lovers of present truth will be found in their places in the house of God, willing to help bear burdens, unless unavoidably hindered. David says, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Ps. 122:1.

Dec. 4, 5, met the Sabbath-keepers at Locust Grove. Considering the circumstances, there was a very good representation from abroad; still, there were others who might have been there that were not. Those who came, came to work for the Lord and themselves; and we enjoyed the blessing of God from the commencement of the meeting to its close. Our ordinance meeting was one of the best I ever attended. Many engaged in the ordinances for the first time, and many expressed their determined resolution to live nearer to God in the future.

Our business meetings were encouraging. The brethren and sisters subscribed liberally for the tent. Up to this date, $213.00 have been subscribed. Three new ones took their stand upon the present truth at this meeting.

Dec. 11, 12, met with the church at Powder Mills. I had good freedom in speaking the truth. This is the largest church in the State; but has been lessened by the removal of some to Kansas. Oh! if our people could realize the shortness of time, and, as Paul says, having food and raiment be therewith content, there would be much means saved to themselves and the cause. All will have to give account of their stewardship in the Judgment. At our business meeting, organized s. B., amounting to $40.00, though on account of sickness many were not present. One more signed the covenant at this meeting.

Dec. 17, 18, spent with the church at Edgefield Junction, Tenn. Had a good, encouraging meeting. Sunday, the 19th, in company with Bro. Owen, of Edgefield Junction, rode twenty-eight miles to Cheatham Co., where the brethren had written urgently requesting me to come. This being a very thinly settled part of the State, there was no meeting-house of any note within four miles of us; but a brother having a large room in his house, prepared it with temporary seats, and I lectured there for three weeks, sometimes once and sometimes twice a day. The interest was small in the beginning, but increased until the close. There was never such excitement at that place in reading the Bible as was caused there by these lectures. There were pressing invitations from all directions for lectures. I appeal to the General Conference again to send this people help if it is possible. My field of labor is too large. There were eleven covenanted together to keep all of God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus.

The day of the fast was a glorious day for this little company. There were some Sabbath-keepers present from Edgefield Junction. It reminded me of the three fast days in 1865, proclaimed by the General Conference. Baptized five, who gave every evidence of being truly converted to God. May the Lord sustain this little company. There are others interested, and perhaps they will take their stand ere long on the truth.

I went to Edgefield Junction to rest a few days. Commenced meetings there on the eve of the 13th, and continued over Sunday. This little church was much encouraged and strengthened. Notwithstanding the rainy weather, there was some outside attendance. Celebrated the ordinance Sunday evening. There were some present who had been very bitterly opposed to our people. Some came, no doubt, for fun, but left with feelings of solemnity. My heart goes out for that people. God bless them. S. OSBORN.