Reno and St. Clair, Nevada.
By B. A. Stephens
Gave twenty-five discourses to the church in Reno, and had the pleasure of seeing some renounce idolatry by putting away their pork, tobacco, tea, and coffee. One "stony-ground" hearer objected that the Adventists did not possess sufficient spirituality, and so remained in the Episcopal church! Query: how much spirituality is there in the formality of Rome's eldest daughter? The Congregationalist minister kindly invited us to open his services at a lecture on Spiritualism, wherein he took the position that it was the effect of diabolism, but in another lecture claimed it to be mere humbuggery. The spirit of Voltaire (? rather the devil. See Rev. 16:14) condescended to review our discourse upon that subject through a "silly woman." 2 Tim. 3:6. But if this was Voltaire he has certainly grown very idiotic in the "spheres," but, then, he never did possess much sanity upon religious questions even when "in the flesh." Perverting the testimony of the Scriptures seemed to be her favorite manner of quoting them. Commenced meetings in St. Clair, November 23, and have given eleven discourses to date. The attendance and interest are fair. The majority of the community keep the Sabbath. We hope to accomplish some good, and to see the church strengthened before entering new fields. We earnestly request the prayers of all God's people for the prosperity of the Nevada mission. December 4, 1878. B. A. STEPHENS.