Your ShelfYour Projects

Progress of the Cause

4%

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 27, 1876

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 17.

Read the full edition

Progress of the Cause.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.

CANADA.

On reaching Bolton, Quebec, the 4th inst. I found that an effort had been made to get a preacher to discuss with me on the Sabbath question, and that a minister from Warden, a no-Sabbath preacher, was coming at once. The word came, and the appointment was circulated that he would meet me last Sunday.
Last Sabbath I met with the young friends of the cause at Bro. H. Mc. Clary’s. We had a blessed and encouraging season. The word spoken affected the hearts of those present. The tears that were shed clearly indicated that the Lord was in our little meeting by his Spirit. The friends in their testimonies expressed their joy that they had embraced the present truth, and their determination to be found with God’s remnant people at Christ’s appearing. At the close of the meeting, we invited those who believed that we had the truth, and who desired to obey it, to arise. Every one present arose, five of whom did not profess religion.
Last Sunday, at 10½ A. M., we went to the Brill school-house, where it was arranged to hold the discussion, and found a large concourse of people waiting to hear a debate on the Sabbath question. But our opponent did not come. I gave two discourses. The Lord gave unusual freedom in speaking, and unbelievers, and several who had not heard before, freely admitted that the Lord was with us. To God be all the praise! Am fully of the opinion that those meetings will tell in opening the way for the spread of the truth.
Am now with Bro. and Sr. Owen in this village, where they have held twelve meetings. Spoke on the messages of Rev. 14 last evening. One-half of the inhabitants here are French Canadians. The snow is melting away fast, the roads are bad, and our meetings are small; yet our courage is good. We have found warm friends in Bolton and in this place. There are openings all around us to hold meetings. Times are hard in these townships. Shall we receive help to continue the work?
A. C. BOURDEAU.
South Stukely, P. Q., April 12, 1876.

MICHIGAN.

ORANGE.

At the time of my last report, March 31, I had begun a short course of lectures, and was having a good hearing, but the mud became so deep we were obliged to abruptly bring the meetings to a close. Three received the truth, and five were baptized and added to the church. We left them much encouraged.

WEST PLAINS.

April 10, I came from Orange to Saranac. Here Bro. Van Deusen met me. He was laboring at West Plains, where a company had come out on the truth, and by his earnest request I went to assist him in organizing. Sabbath evening, April 14, at W. P., found the large school-room well filled. The meetings on Sabbath were well attended. An earnest appeal was made in the afternoon, at the conclusion of which seventeen came forward, separating themselves from the congregation. As we saw these young men and women thus starting in the service of Jesus we all felt that it was good to be there. After prayers a church of twenty-two was formed.
On first-day the house was filled to overflowing; and at the conclusion of the afternoon sermon we retired to the water, where ten were buried with their Lord, and, we hope, rose to walk in newness of life. When S. B. was presented they all cheerfully adopted it, their pledge amounting to $132.08. All this was pledged to the Conference, except $3.00. Obtained six subscribers for the REVIEW, one for REFORMER, and one for INSTRUCTOR.
Bro. Van Deusen has labored there four weeks, and about thirty are observing the Sabbath, ten of whom were members of the Greenville church, but went into this organization. This is the second company which he has raised up. By this we see that farmers can be used to give this message. My brother, go thou and do likewise. The testimonies in the social meeting were, “Oh, how much I have learned in these few weeks—more than in all my life before,” “I thank God that he has sent Bro. Van Deusen this way.” I shall long remember these good meetings. I am very much encouraged to do all I can in this good work.
On reaching Saranac, I found an invitation from Bro. Lucas Kellogg to come and help him organize a company which he has brought out on the truth. This is his first effort, and there are thirteen who are keeping the Sabbath. There are very many promising openings in this portion of the State. I find a good interest to hear in this village. In answer to the call from the brethren in Oceana County, I would say that I will come as soon as the way opens. The harvest is all ripe. Let us pray the Lord to send more laborers into his harvest.
A. O. BURRILL.
Greenville, Mich., April 17.

OHIO.

I have just closed a meeting of several weeks’ continuance near Napoleon, Henry Co., Ohio. About twenty-five embraced the Sabbath, and organized into a Bible-class. Twenty entered into a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Others promised to do so as soon as they get the victory over the habit of indulging the appetite. This little company is but fourteen miles from the one at Hamler, organized in January last. We hope the Lord may bless them, and establish them in every good word and work, and shield and protect them from the pitfalls of the enemy.
T. J. BUTLER.
April 14, 1876.

MICHIGAN.

In Tuscola and Sanilac Counties I gave seventeen discourses. A deep interest was manifested. The result of these meetings was that five signed a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Others are convinced, and I hope will soon take a stand for truth. May God help in the administration of his word.
M. M. KILLMAR.
Imlay, April 12, 1876.