Alabama: Sabbath Interest Grows at Bladen Springs
The past week has been a good one for the cause here. On Wednesday evening, a minister, who, we are told, is the best informed minister in this county, came to hear us upon the Sabbath question. He bought the “History of the Sabbath,” and said he wanted the law chart for his family. He admitted that the pope changed the Sabbath, and said he wanted to prove “all things,” but could not do it unless he investigated. We arranged S. B. yesterday. The people are willing to do all they can. The tobacco and coffee used by these Sabbath-keepers cost them about $475 per year. These articles have nearly disappeared. I never have seen such a willingness to hear in any community. The Sabbath and day-schools are proving a success. We are in good health, and full of courage in the Lord’s work. A. O. Burrill. A subsequent report from Bro. Burrill says:— This has been a very interesting week to all the friends of the cause in this State. Two Baptist ministers have become quite interested and anxious to investigate our views. One is quite fully satisfied upon the Sabbath and some other points of present truth. I sold the other the prophetic chart and more than 1,300 pages of reading matter. I think I never met a more candid man. The latter part of the week and Sunday we held meetings at Bro. Z. Rogers’. The Lord greatly blessed the effort. A church of eleven was formed. Systematic benevolence was pledged to upwards of $80.00 per year and the one-third added. All came into the T. and M. Society. Bro. Z. Rogers was chosen elder and will be ordained next Sabbath. Never have we seen such a willingness to read by any people. If our brethren North could realize what they can accomplish they would all be very willing to send the SIGNS South more freely. It appears to us as though God was fitting the people here for the last message. This is a very promising field for T. and M. workers, and our offer is still good to furnish readers for any who want to send the SIGNS.