INDIANA by J. S. Shrock

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

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

INDIANA

By J. S. Shrock

LIGONIER AND WOLF LAKE.—Jan. 15-20 I labored with the church at Ligonier. The attendance was not large on account of the extreme cold, but we had very good meetings. One united with us, an estimable lady, the faithful companion of an aged Disciple minister. How thankful ought we to be for a truth that appeals to all that are honest in heart! On the Sabbath we celebrated the ordinances. The Lord remembered us in a special manner.

Jan. 24, 25, I visited the church at Wolf Lake. I found this church in a good condition. They seem to have gained much courage and strength from the debate that was recently held in that place. The real good that resulted from the discussion was not only in points gained, but in observing what the enemy will resort to in order to

fight the truth. Are not Isaiah’s words applicable here? (Isa. 51: 7, 8, and context.)

Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, I labored again with the church at Ligonier. This closed my labor in Indiana for the present. It was a hard matter to speak the parting words. This has been my only home since I united with the Adventist people; and as the Lord has greatly blessed me as well as the church during my stay among the people of this State, I am very sorry to leave them. But thus it is; here we meet and become acquainted, separate and in a measure forget; but soon the morning will dawn where we shall meet to part no more. Lord, hasten the glad day!

I am now at Battle Creek where I brought my wife to be treated at the Sanitarium. A few years have wrought a wonderful change in this institution. About eight years ago I had the privilege of being treated here, and then thought it was quite a place; but what a contrast! Then it was in its infancy; now it towers like a mighty colossus above all other institutions of its kind, and enjoys the well-deserved honor of being the largest health retreat in the world. Surely the Lord has wrought wonders for the Sanitarium.

It may not be out of place to add a few words in regard to the school, as I had the privilege of sharing its advantages in former years. When we contemplate the dangers and evil influences to which the rising generation is exposed, and realize that many of the schools in our land are mere places of resort for the ungodly, it is indeed like finding an oasis in the desert to find a place with such holy influences upon the young. In many respects this school has no rival. For economy and real moral worth, it is truly a model. It is easy to see that the managers spare no pains to make this an ideal place of imparting knowledge. Among the many attractive features connected with the College, might be mentioned the new boarding-house. Perhaps the most striking feature of this building is the novel arrangement for heating and ventilating. A warm current of air passes all through the building, not through pipes, but through the halls, visiting every room, driving out the foul air, and bringing new life and vigor to the inmates. Were it not for the sighs and groans of blustery Winter without, one might well fancy himself enjoying the balmy air of a spring morning, and wonder to himself why the warbling of the birds was not heard. The first floor of this building is used exclusively as a boarding hall. Here the students are favored with exceptionally good board, not the inferior eatables that so often characterize club board, but on the contrary, the best the market affords; and everything is well prepared for the table. The second and third floors are designed for lady students.

Here those of tender years are under the vigilant care of God-fearing mothers. Would that more of our youth and children enjoyed these golden privileges! Surely the Lord is blessing our institutions located at this place in many ways. Let us praise his exalted name.

I am now on my way to my new field of labor in Eastern Pennsylvania. Will the friends of the cause remember the work among the Germans.

J. S. SHROCK.