WISCONSIN

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, January 22, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 4

Lucas.—At our meeting on the Sabbath, Dec. 27, all the members of the Lucas church were present, besides brethren and sisters from Wilson. The Sabbath-school here is a success.

On first-day we had a meeting of the V. M. society. The organization was completed, dues were paid, canvassers were appointed, and all felt pleased that arrangements had been made so that they could work intelligently for the salvation of their fellow-men. Although it was not yet due, they paid $27.00 on their s. B. The business of the special meeting for the 21st was attended to, and ten copies of the Signs were taken.

The next day Bro. R. Foster and myself visited the Wiston church. This church had had some trouble. We visited every family, and had a season of prayer. On the last day of the year, all the brethren and sisters met to transact the business of the special meeting and organize a V. M. society. We had a season of prayer, and the remainder of the day was spent in doing business for the Lord. The enemy was repulsed; and if the brethren and sisters carry out their resolutions, the year 1880 will be a happier one for them than was 1879.

On New Year's day, we attended a surprise dinner and prayer-meeting which two sisters had arranged for their brother, who was trying to overcome the tobacco habit. The afternoon was spent in prayer and praise. The dear brother felt that he had gained a victory. Two of his brothers-in-law, who had made no profession, promised never to use the filthy weed again, and one of them, for the first time in his life, prayed and gave his testimony for the Lord. We all felt that the Lord had come very near to us during the last week of the year, and as we consecrated ourselves anew to his service on the first day of the new year, we felt that it was “sweet to work for Jesus.”

During the seven days, we held eight meetings, in all of which prayer, praise, and confession took a prominent part. JOHN McMILLAN.

Stevens Point, Jan. 14.—In November, 1879, I visited the Attica church, in Green county, Wis. This church was organized in connection with the tent-meetings held there during the past summer. The interest and attendance were good. I spent considerable time in visiting families between Albany and Monticello. A number were prevailed upon to take a stand for the truth and unite with the church. They now have a membership of twenty, also an interesting Sabbath-school. We held a quarterly meeting, and celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. It was a refreshing season. The labors at this place closed with a temperance meeting, which was well attended. Fifteen signed the pledge.

About the middle of December, I went to Stevens Point to commence labor in the ministerial division that has been placed under my charge.

Dec. 27, 28, I held a quarterly meeting with the church at Stevens Point. The attendance was small, but, by the blessing of the Lord, we enjoyed a good season. This church is laboring under some discouragements.

Jan. 3, 4, I held a quarterly meeting with the church at Grand Rapids. They have a membership of fourteen. The Sabbath-school is well conducted, and very interesting. The weather was unfavorable, yet the meetings were well attended. Some who had not seen their way clear to unite with the church did so on this occasion. A tract society meeting was held, in which much interest was manifested.

Jan. 10, 11, I held a quarterly meeting with the Plainfield church. Our meetings were especially blessed of the Lord. A number expressed a wish to become members of the church. We had a good T. and M. session. The meetings here closed on Monday evening with a temperance lecture. The house was crowded. A temperance club of thirty-four members was organized; thirty of these signed the teetotal pledge, and twenty became full members by paying the initiation fee. A leader and clerk were elected.

In visiting these three churches we sold $16 worth of Sister White's bound books, obtained forty-nine signers to the temperance pledge, received pledges for the general fund to the amount of $42, also $3.75 for the English Mission, sold thirty-three copies of Testimony for the Church No. 29, obtained nine subscribers for the Review, twenty-one for Good Health, seven for the Instructor, twelve for the Signs, and two for the German paper.

Bro. J. J. Smith, director of Dist. No. 7, accompanied me in visiting these churches, and rendered much assistance. N. M. JORDON.