MISSIONARY WORK IN HENRY COUNTY, TENN.
By J. E. Titus
A few words as to the missionary work in this part of the State may be of interest. The brethren are wide awake, and earnestly second any move that promises to advance the cause. They have taken hold of the “Sunshine” and Signs with a vim that, with the blessing of the Lord, must make it a success. Since the 1st of January sixty copies of “Sunshine” have been delivered, sixty copies of the Signs for three months accompanying them, besides a number for six weeks, and one copy for a year. One brother has sixty-five orders to fill at once, and others are in for a later date. The “Sunshine” takes well, and in places where without it we could not possibly introduce the Signs. The usual prejudice exists, and much wisdom is required to overcome it. The statement that the Signs is published in the interests of the International Tract Society will relieve many minds in regard to the character of the paper; while a little judicious fireside talk, after an order is taken, will awaken a desire to examine the paper. Much interest is already awakened, and the prospect for tent labor is good. The efforts this year have been mostly in Benton Co., where the truth has never been preached, and the fact is already circulating there that the Henry County Adventists are spreading reading matter among the people. The work is onward, and no one need be discouraged. The old State of Tennessee, blighted by slavery, and but just recovering from poverty consequent upon the war, and from the perils of the reconstruction period, will yet stretch out her hands to God, take her place with her more favored sister States in the great work of warning a world, and in the end yield her full quota of jewels to shine in the Saviour’s crown. One instance I have here to encourage our seemingly useless efforts. Some one in Illinois gave a man Bro. Tate’s “Exposition of Matthew Twenty-four,” which in time found its way to a man here who became interested in it, and who not only took the Signs and a copy of the “Synopsis of Present Truth,” but who, with several others, bids fair to embrace the whole truth. Last Sabbath was a good day for the little church at Springville. Bro. Fulton gave a stirring discourse based upon the message to the Laodiceans, which was followed by some earnest conversations, and all were greatly encouraged. Earnest prayer from all parts of the great harvest field is asked, that the Lord will build up his cause in Tennessee the coming year.