VIRGINIA by E. B. Lane; E. S. Lane; John O. Corliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 15, 1877

VIRGINIA

By E. B. Lane; E. S. Lane; John O. Corliss

Although we have been silent for some time, we have not been snowed in. This has however been the severest winter here with deepest snow known for twenty years, but now we are having delightful spring weather.

After tent season, we spent our time till the middle of November in places where we labored with the tent during the summer, principally in Page Co. This county is situated between the Massanutten and Blue Ridge ranges. Introducing the Sabbath truth there was mostly like entering a new field. It took some time to get an influence and overcome prejudice. This we have succeeded in doing to a great extent. About twenty-five commenced keeping the Sabbath while there with the tent, but nearly half did not stand the opposition, and so turned back. There is a great dread of being “turned out” of church, and many will shrink from the test; but a few are still firm in Page Co.

Toward the last of tent season, three ministers of the Disciple church attended one of our meetings, and in a public, defiant, impudent manner challenged us to meet them again in debate with the same man, C. S. Lucas, whom we met last spring at Edinburg, Shew Co., Va. We paid but little attention to them, but were afterward informed that the time, place, and questions, were arranged and published for a discussion at Luray, Page Co., and one of their ministers after all this, came and informed us, and asked if we dare say we would be on hand. We met them, Eld. Corliss engaging him. The debate lasted four days, three sessions per day. We affirmed the Seventh-day Sabbath and they the first-day. We learn that in the minds of the large majority they lost the question, eight of their own members conceding it and that we have gained a decided victory. This discussion was attended by over twenty ministers of different denominations; and I think we will not soon be troubled with another discussion about these parts.

In Page Co. we are having many urgent calls for labor, and large congregations wherever we go. The middle of December we commenced canvassing for our almanac from house to house, but found this rather slow work; so we concluded to call congregations, and sell in them. About this time Mrs. Lane returned from Mich., spent a few days in this work with us, and then we engaged in a protracted meeting among our brethren in Shenandoah Co. During these meetings we enjoyed much of the converting power of the Spirit of God; and every brother and sister, including the young, except one, has taken up the cross of bearing testimony in meeting. Family prayer is established, and all have freed themselves of tobacco, and are working into the reforms as fast as could be expected. Even old father Woods, about seventy-five years of age, has put tobacco away.

The first Sabbath of the new year was a good day to us; God blessed above measure. When an opportunity to come forward for prayers was offered, about twenty responded, all broken down. We have seldom seen such deep feeling and weeping as all manifested during the season of prayer. We were reminded of Bowling Green, Ohio, and Potterville, Mich. The meetings were continued through the week with the same interest; and on the second Sabbath, we organized a church with about twenty handing in their names for membership, while as many more will probably soon join. Bro. Simeon Woods was chosen elder, and Bro. Charles Neff deacon. Sunday following was spent in a T. and M. Society meeting, when we ordained these brethren and arranged S. B. amounting to $100. This soon will doubtless be raised $50 more by those not present. I think there are now sixty Sabbath-keepers in these parts.

We have been in Va. one year; and looking at what God has done, our hearts are touched with a sense of his goodness. We knew not a person in Va. All looked on us with more or less suspicion, and prejudice against us was very strong; now the field is ours. We have a tent, and about a ton of publications and periodicals for the people. And right here let us express our gratitude and thanks to the S. D. A. Publishing Association and the dear brethren for their kindness in supplying us with these things so liberally. We have a live tract society, Sabbath-school, organized church with a house of worship. God has sent to our help our dear Bro. Sawyer and family, and also brought a Bro. George Woods, a Christian preacher, to see the light of present truth, and is giving him a fitting up for the work. All are united and in harmony with the gifts, and with the body generally.

We are in good health and courage. We are still engaged in selling almanacs at full price and applying the proceeds to the T. and M. Society funds. We have already disposed of some sixty dollars’ worth, and expect to close out the thousand this week and next. We have many interesting items on almanac selling, which we will give soon. The past week, we have sold some sixteen dollars’ worth, and have one more appointment at which to sell. After this work is done we expect to commence new courses of lectures, hoping God will prosper us even more for the year to come; and to him shall be all the glory.

There are free churches scattered all through this country, which afford excellent opportunities to get the truth before the people. Desiring an interest in the prayers of all God’s people, we remain as ever, looking for the blessed hope of the soon coming of our dear Redeemer.

E. B. LANE. E. S. LANE. J. O. CORLISS.