p. 538 | The Missionary by H. W. Decker; Wm. L. Raymond

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 3, 1885

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 34

The Missionary.

By H. W. Decker; Wm. L. Raymond

Upper Columbia Conference.

SUMMERVILLE, OREGON.—This is a small village at the north end of Grande Ronde Valley. We pitched our tent here just four weeks ago, and have had a good attendance all the time, although it is in the haying time. Several families come regularly from a distance of from two to three miles, while some come occasionally from as far as six miles. We have visited and distributed reading matter in all directions from four to six miles, which has served to interest and call out the people.

Last Sunday evening, according to previous notice, the Presbyterian minister appeared in defense of Sunday observance. He labored hard, using prophecy (Isa. 65:17), Dr. Dwight, and many other authors, including Lincoln and Garfield, to show that God had changed the Sabbath institution from the seventh to the first day of the week. His work was reviewed in the tent on Monday evening, after which an expression from the audience gave a good show of hands for the seventh day, and not one hand for Sunday.

Seven persons kept last Sabbath, and seven more promise to keep the next. All these are persons who are much respected in society, and many more of the substantial sort are deeply stirred by the truth, which gives us strong hopes for the future of the cause in this valley.

Aug. 19, 1885. H. W. DECKER, WM. L. RAYMOND.