p. 124 | Feb. 11 | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, February 24, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 8

Feb. 11

Wisconsin.

AMONG THE CHURCHES.—Since our State meeting I have visited and held quarterly meetings with the churches in my division. Find some with but little interest, and others overcharged with cares. Have tried to awaken a greater interest in the truth. The Lord has blessed in the work, some having decided to walk in the light and to be faithful. Have sold forty-six copies of “Great Controversy,” Vol. IV., also other books, amounting in all to $54.10. Obtained six subscriptions for REVIEW and one for the Instructor. Have held Bible-readings, which were truly profitable.

At Lucas, I met Eld. Breed in the general meeting which was held Feb. 7, 8. This was a time of special interest. Brethren came from different parts of the division, and nearly all were present at the first meeting. The preaching was close and practical, and the Spirit of the Lord accompanied the word, causing an awakening. Many were moved to tears and confessions. On the Sabbath backsliders came forward. Several young persons also made a start in the Christian life. On first-day instruction was given to librarians and workers in the tract society. We trust all were benefited. The duty of paying tithes was also prominent at the meeting. Had a Bible-reading on this subject, and nearly all voted to perform this duty faithfully. The new house of worship was cleared of debt by pledges, a part of which was paid, and the house was dedicated to the Lord. An elder was ordained. Our meeting closed with a sermon on the signs of the times, all feeling to praise the Lord for one of the best general meetings enjoyed in the State. A. MEES.

Feb. 11

LOYAL.—Bro. H. R. Johnson arrived according to appointment and commenced meetings with the church on the evening of Jan. 21, appointing meetings each evening until Sunday, the 1st. While setting before the church the importance of having a living connection with Christ, the Vine, in order to be cleansed from all sin and bear acceptable fruit, the Spirit of the Lord was in good measure on both speaker and hearers, and many were melted to tears of contrition. We are visiting from house to house and becoming acquainted with the spiritual needs of the church. Bro. Johnson became convinced that a longer time was needed here than had been planned. Accordingly he decided to stay another week, speaking each evening and visiting through the day. There seemed to be a rising interest in the church and outside, until the close of the meetings.

Last Sabbath was a good day for the church, on account of the presence of the Lord. Hearts were melted, confessions made, and some whose voices had long been silent in the social meetings responded to the movings of the Spirit, acknowledged their wanderings, seeking anew the Lord, and rejoicing in victories never before attained. All hearts were drawn together, many expressed in earnest words the desire to be fully consecrated to the Lord; while nearly all testified to new beauty in the word of God. One person decided to walk out in the new light received. So we thank God and take courage, believing that the Lord will still nourish the seed sown here, and gather an abundant harvest to his glory. CHAS. A. SMITH.

Feb. 7.