THIS meeting was held according to appointment, July 1-4. Bro. and Sr. White, and Brn. Andrews, Waggoner, Lawrence, Littlejohn and Smith, were present. The churches of Holly, Lapeer and Memphis were quite fully represented; and scattered brethren from that part of the State were also present. A plain testimony suited to the condition of the people was called forth by the Spirit of the Lord. It was stated in the call for the meeting that the object was to arouse our people to the duties and dangers of this time; and, certainly, if words have power to arouse them, they must have felt aroused by what they heard respecting the great truths of the third angel's message which are becoming more and more important, as each day brings us nearer to the end.
The cause in this section was greatly in need of help. Open opposition had existed with some against the Testimonies to the church, which opposition had had more or less effect, and exerted a blighting and deathly influence over the church in this region. A special testimony was called forth upon this point, even before the full extent of the evil was known, showing the important place which this work occupies in the church, and that it is essential to the proof that we are those who are giving the third angel's message. Those who give this message have the faith of Jesus. The faith of Jesus includes the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy; and this is to be a special mark of the remnant of the woman's seed, which keep the commandments of God, and by which they incur the wrath of the dragon. Now have we the testimony of Jesus, or the spirit of prophecy, in our midst? If so, where is it? Can those who reject the testimonies tell us? And if we have it not, what becomes of our claims to being those who are giving the third angel's message? Consistency requires that we take the whole work or none.
Good progress was made in the meetings, and judging from the testimonies given in the social meetings, many minds were helped. But it was sad that all had first to confess and lament their backslidings. When will the people of God get into a place where the labor that now has to be bestowed upon them, may be expended in behalf of those who yet know not the truth, and who are perishing for lack of it?
On Sabbath afternoon a call was made by Bro. White for those who felt that they had not a good hope in Christ, and who wished for a better, and sought the prayers of the people of God, to come forward. So general a move as then took place we have never witnessed in any assemblage of people. Nearly all in the tent, backsliders, as well as those who had made no profession, came forward. Friend entreated friend, with weeping, to come, and seek an interest in the Saviour. Fathers called for children, and wives for husbands; and they came pressing in with broken and penitent hearts to signify their desire for God's blessing. All were in tears. It was a scene long to be remembered. The Spirit of God was present in great power; and we trust it will not soon be forgotten by those who shared in it, nor the good resolutions there formed be lost sight of.
On first-day there was a good turnout from the surrounding country. It is estimated that a thousand persons were present. Bro. and Sr. White had good liberty, as also Brn. Andrews, Waggoner and Littlejohn, who participated in the preaching. Four were baptized on first-day afternoon. Taken as a whole, the meeting, in its progress and results, exceeded the expectations of the friends of the cause present.