INDIANA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 25, 1878

Bourbon, Wolf Lake, Salem Center. Apr. 8.

At Bourbon I held a five days' discussion with the leading debater of the Disciples in Central Indiana. Although considered a representative man and a first-class debater, he produced only the old threadbare arguments which have been repeated time and again. By his own course and his bitterness against our positions, he turned many from him who otherwise would have been friendly. The truth gained a complete victory, and never had a better influence here than since the debate.

Held meetings one week at Wolf Lake. When I first preached here, two years ago, I encountered the bitterest opposition that I have ever met at any one point in this State. The few who embraced the truth, and did not move away, have tried to live it out and have distributed reading matter. We have occasionally visited them, and, as the result, through the blessing of the Lord, one by one people have embraced the truth, and prejudice has nearly died out. During my last visit we organized a church of sixteen members.

When I first labored here, I introduced the SIGNS, and two families subscribed. One of these families came from England a few years ago. At the close of the year, both families renewed their subscription. The papers have done their work nobly. Both families are rejoicing in the truth, and have come into the organization. The English family are thoroughly converted and have sent the SIGNS to England and thus raised some interest there. They have subscribed for the REVIEW for a natural brother there.

Last week, while on my way to Salem, I preached four times in a neighborhood near La Grange. The turnout was large. I stopped while there with a young man and his wife who have lately commenced to keep the Sabbath. Three years ago I visited his father's family, and sold them a set of books. The young man read them and is now rejoicing in the truth. They led him to subscribe for the REVIEW, which he has since taken.

Our meetings at Salem Center were excellent; the little church was much encouraged. Celebrated the ordinances. The church has lost membership by removals; the elder has lately moved West. Appointed a new leader and elected a deacon. The Methodists kindly granted us the use of their large meeting-house. There was a full attendance. The last evening all could not find seats. They kindly offered us the use of the house at any future time, when not occupied.

We feel thankful for the interest we see at each point in which the truth is introduced. S. H. LANE.

Yorktown and Vicinity.

Last week was a profitable one for the truth here. Held a discussion with Eld. Puckett, a Christian Union minister, on the Sabbath question. As the result, the truth gained friends, four kept last Sabbath for the first, and several more will make a start soon.

A man from North Carolina attended several meetings and the discussion, bought books, and says he is going to agitate the truth at home. Another from McLean Co., Ill., will bear the truth there; and several others from different counties in this State became interested, and have taken books.

There are over twenty keeping the Sabbath in this vicinity, and others have promised to keep it as soon as they can arrange affairs so that they can. Last Sabbath was a good day for us. Several took part in meeting for the first time, and bore evidence that they had the truth at heart. I think we have the foundation of a good work here.

I go home for a while, but shall soon return. W. W. SHARP.