p. 55 | MISSOURI | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 9, 1877

MISSOURI

Appleton City.

We remain in this place, and are having some success. We are about through with the Sabbath question. Several have decided to obey. We hope for others soon.

Opposition is strong. Eld. Kates, a first-day Adventist, spoke against us last Monday night in our tent, occupying over two hours. We commenced reviewing him last night, marking out his work upon the black-board, and will finish it this evening, occupying, in all, as much time as he. The Methodist minister of this place challenged us for a debate upon the immortality of the soul and the end of the wicked, but desired until Oct. 23 to prepare, at which time the debate will commence. It is reported that the Christians have telegraphed for J. W. Randall, of Kansas, to come immediately and defend their cause.

Our congregations are large for this place. Last Sunday night the tent was crowded, and several hundred were seated outside.

We are trying to walk humbly before God, and desire to be remembered in your prayers.

J. G. Wood. D. W. Reavis.

Half Rock.

Began meetings here, July 19, and have given nine discourses. Considering the busy season, the attendance is large for this country, the congregations averaging nearly two hundred. The order and attention are remarkably good. After the sermon Sabbath morning we had an interesting social meeting. Many encouraging testimonies were given from members of other churches, stating that they believed all they had heard. May the Lord help them to obey.

I am alone yet, the interest in Utica demanding Bro. Chaffee’s attention. I feel deeply the responsibility of my position.

July 24. H. Woodruff.

Bro. Woodruff writes again under date of July 30:—

The meetings are progressing finely and the interest is increasing. I spoke yesterday three times to an audience of at least five hundred. They came in the morning and stayed on the ground all day, preserving the best of order. Have given seventeen discourses on the prophecies, the Sabbath, and the law. Many admit that we have the truth and some have promised to obey.

Utica.

Since Conference I have held meetings two weeks with the friends in Utica. Found them in a state of trial, arising from a careless use of the tongue. We labored with them till an understanding was effected and harmony restored. Held in all fifteen meetings. Five were baptized, and a church of fourteen members was organized, with $52 S. B. for the remainder of 1877.

These dear friends seem to love the truth, but Satan has tried hard to destroy them. We hope they will all be careful to follow the directions given in Eph. 4: 29, 32; also James 4: 7. Others are keeping the Sabbath, who, we hope, will unite with the church soon. I am now with Bro. Woodruff at Half Rock. I have just arrived, and from what I learn, the prospect is fair for accomplishing good.

C. H. Chaffee.