Reports from the Field

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jun 6, 1878

Reports from the Field.

(Condensed from Review and Herald.)

Iowa.

BENTONSPORT.—Elder L. McCoy writes, May 23: "Have now given thirty discourses at this place, and still have an excellent interest. Fifteen have covenanted to keep the Sabbath, and we hope for some other good souls who admit we have the truth. I gladly accepted an invitation to lecture before the temperance society of this place, and spoke freely on the subject of Christian temperance. The lecture was well received, the entire congregation extending thanks. A gentleman from Vernon, just across the Des Moines river, arose and expressed himself well pleased, and invited me to repeat the lecture before their society, promising a good hearing. I lecture there to-night. We have many invitations to present these last-day truths in villages around us, but cannot fill a tithe of the calls coming in. We shall remain here one week longer. The people are kind and anxious to hear. How much of the grace of God the minister who proclaims this solemn message needs. Last evening the Lord helped much in speaking on the subject of the Mark of the Beast."

BELVIDERE.—Elder Bartlett writes: "Those who were convinced of the truth when I was at this place last winter are now keeping the Sabbath. Six were baptized on the 12th of May, three brothers in Christ and their wives. It was a beautiful day, and there was a large concourse of people gathered on the bank of the lake to witness the baptism. Some of the most reliable men and women in the county have commenced to keep the Sabbath."

Ohio.

MENDON AND GILBOA.—Elder St. John was with the Mendon church from May 9-12. The outside attendance was good, and much interest was manifested, especially in the last two meetings. The church seemed edified, but all were not present. For a long time they have had no Sabbath-school, and meeting but once in two weeks. Henceforth, it is expected they will meet every Sabbath, and no longer neglect the study of the Holy Scriptures in the capacity of a Sabbath-school. At Gilboa he spent May 14 and 15. Spoke each evening to the public. There is an ear to hear in that section, and the brethren are anxious for a course of lectures. Meetings for the church were held each day, to great profit. A Sabbath-school was organized, and systematic benevolence arranged for 1878, amounting to something over one hundred dollars.

Michigan.

RANSOM CENTER AND HILLSDALE.—Brethren Littlejohn and Burnham report labor among the churches as follows: "On the morning of May 2, we left home to visit the chruch of Ransom Center. The brethren are few in numbers, and for a long time have struggled on under circumstances very discouraging in their nature. While among them we tried to preach the word in all plainness and sincerity. Our labors, though arduous, were not lost. Leaving Ransom Center on the morning of the 9th, Providence seemed to direct our steps to the church in Hillsdale. There we remained for three days, giving ourselves to the preaching of the word and to visiting and counseling the brethren who stood in great need of help. Our efforts seemed to be appreciated, and we trust may result in the permanent good of those for whom they were put forth. While among them, one person commenced to keep the Sabbath whose mind had been prepared for this step by the reading of the publications."

Kansas.

LIMESTONE AND MORTON.—Brother Cook reports meetings at Limestone very encouraging. First, all that reasonably could, attended the meetings. Second, they came with a mind to work, and to learn. Sixteen were fully organized into a church. Seven were baptized. Several subscribers for the Review and Signs were obtained. At Morton, evident progress has been made since Brother C.'s previous visit there. All that signed the covenant have put away their tobacco. "And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself as he is pure."

Illinois.

CARBONDALE.—Brethren Colcord and Bliss began tent-meetings at this place May 10, and up to May 22, had held fifteen meetings. Sunday evening had an audience of four hundred and fifty.