In our last we gave an account of the meeting at Roosevelt. Our next meeting was held in Vanburen, on the farm of Bro. Walker, who spared no pains to make preparations that the truth might be brought before the people. In the above place we tarried two Sabbaths and First-days. Our congregations were quite large and attentive, especially the second First-day, when the solemn conviction seemed to rest on the people that we had the truth. Many furnished themselves with books, seeming desirous to understand more perfectly the things they had heard. Among the rest, two men who had previously avowed their principles to be infidel, purchased each of them a set of bound tracts, saying they wished to understand this subject. This was a new field, Bro. Walker and family being the only Sabbath-keepers in the place previous to the meeting.
Our next was held in Olcott, as appointed in the Review. The congregations were not as large as in some of our meetings, but those who came were attentive. On the second Sabbath and First-day Bro. White took a part in preaching the word. The Lord gave him freedom in speaking on the Sabbath question, especially in the last discourse. We trust that we shall yet see souls obeying the commandments of God as the result of the effort in Olcott.
I have seen the proposition of Bro. Hart and the remarks of Bro. White in the present No. of the Review in regard to operating with the Tents in new fields. I am satisfied that much more good can be accomplished in new fields, than to endeavor to reach the hearts of those who have had the clear light of present truth set before them, and have hardened their hearts against it. In looking over the meetings of the past Summer, I can testify that we have had more freedom in speaking the truth, and more real interest in the word spoken, in new places, than we have had where the reasons of our faith have been previously set before the people. The expression of Bro. White in his remarks, that "the 'harvest of the earth' is fast ripening," is a solemn truth that should rest with weight upon us. While the truth is being presented in old fields of labor where but little can be accomplished, if the Tent was in a new field hearts might be reached that have no prejudice against our position. Dear brethren, during the present Winter will be the time to enter into arrangements for operations another season. Who will take hold of this work?