p. 44 | THE CAUSE IN INDIANA by S. H. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 7, 1878

THE CAUSE IN INDIANA.

By S. H. Lane

The State quarterly meeting of the T. and M. Society held at Alto, Jan. 19, 20, was the best of its kind ever held in the State. The report from each district showed more activity than ever before, and more work was done during the last quarter than during some whole

years in the past. This is truly encouraging.

The roads were almost impassable on account of mud, but notwithstanding this, the turnout of the brethren and sisters and outsiders was large, and our meeting-house was constantly crowded. At the close of the meeting, the outsiders requested that we remain and deliver a full course of lectures, but circumstances and appointments would not permit.

Immediately after the quarterly meeting we came down into Ripley Co., which is in the extreme south-eastern part of the State. The field in this new part of the State was opened thus: Some ten years ago when the publishers of the REFORMER received several hundred names from R. T. Trall for their lists, they received the name of John Roberts. From the REFORMER he learned of our people, and wrote to the Office inquiring for the address of a certain first-day Adventist paper. The same mail which brought his letter also delivered to us a copy of the Adventist paper inquired for, so the writer, who was at that time laboring in the REVIEW Office, took the paper and folded in connection with it a copy of the REVIEW and sent them to Mr. Roberts by mail, addressing him a note stating to him that the paper asked for had been sent, and also another one which we considered the better paper. Soon we received a second letter, ordering a book treating on the second coming of Christ, “An Exposition of Matt. 24; then “Life Incidents,” from which he learned the history of our people and work, was ordered. Soon he sent for other books, and at last the REVIEW and INSTRUCTOR, which, in connection with the REFORMER, he has since taken.

For six or seven years he investigated the truth, then embraced it, being the only Seventh-day Adventist in south-eastern Indiana until during the last few months. For many years he has been a Baptist. Has had the care of their brick meeting-house in this place. Thus, when we came here last week we found the house ready for us, and a pleasant home at Bro. Roberts’.

At our first meeting about twenty-five were present. Since then our congregations have ranged from one hundred to two hundred each meeting. The roads are so muddy that the people cannot well travel, or we should have a much better attendance. The people of the town are nearly all Germans, some of whom cannot well understand the English language. On this account our field does not present quite so favorable a prospect as it would otherwise. Some are interested. Bro. Roberts has distributed considerable reading matter which has made a good impression. Three Baptist ministers have called on us to converse in regard to the truth, who have become interested by reading. They are very friendly. One is taking the REVIEW, and we induced him to subscribe for the REFORMER. The first time we introduced our books we sold over two dollars’ worth. Bro. J. S. Shrock is with me speaking a portion of the time. We hope through the blessing of the Lord a good work will be accomplished. S. H. LANE.

Ripley Co., Ind.