p. 142 | INDIANA by J. P. Henderson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · March 3, 1885

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 9

INDIANA

By J. P. Henderson

MARION, JONESBORO, HARTFORD CITY, AND PLYMOUTH.—During the past quarter I have held meeting with each of the above churches. Found them in a good spiritual condition, yet all calling for ministerial help. Four were added to the Jonesboro company, two of whom are young men whose help is much needed, the elder of the church having moved away; yet consecration is necessary on their part.

The Plymouth company hold on to the truth well. The quarterly meeting was the first held there; but all seemed to be in earnest, and not a jar mars their association. Under good leadership we hope all will continue faithful.

The Hartford City company will rebuild their church as soon as the weather permits. Since their quarterly meeting a “spiritual cyclone” has struck the city and vicinity. The secular papers have been giving an account of it, far and near; but Seventh-day Adventists, through the aid of the spirit of prophecy, have obtained a knowledge of these things beforehand. The following extract, dated 1849, from “Early Writings”, page 30, has been literally fulfilled during the past month in this place:—

“I saw that Satan was working through agents in a number of ways. He is at work through ministers who have rejected the truth and are given over to strong delusions to believe a lie, that they might be damned. While they were preaching or praying, some would fall prostrate and helpless, not by the power of the Holy Ghost, but by the power of Satan breathed upon these agents, and through them to the people.”

As described by eye witnesses the above prophecy is an exact description of what occurred. As many as ten persons were in a prostrate condition at one time. They would become stiff and cold, much like a corpse, and some of them would remain in that condition for hours. The greatest confusion prevailed during the exercises. Scores of persons would be yelling at the tops of their voices, clapping hands, jumping upon the seats, etc., and frequently these scenes would continue until two and even four o’clock in the morning.

Some of our people, for want of a proper knowledge, began to take part in the meeting; but the discovery of the above paragraph was a source of relief, and served to strengthen many doubting ones in the testimonies. The following statement is found in Vol. IV., page 374: “If there were no other evidence, it should be enough for the Christian that the spirits make no difference between righteousness and sin.” Those stricken down were often scoffers and the vilest of persons, the spirits “making no difference.” Many other statements were seen to be literally fulfilled. We need not be deceived. These testimonies from heaven are gleaming with warnings for the last days. The “strong delusions” are upon us, and “who shall be able to stand?” “To the law and to the testimony.” How grateful we as a people should be for the light given us; and it behooves every Seventh-day Adventist and true child of God to become fortified against these strong delusions. The works referred to, as well as others by the same author should be in every household, and read and reread by every one who is striving to escape the errors of these last days. I feel the need of a deeper work of grace in my own heart, that the Lord may never again permit me to doubt the testimonies of his Spirit, and that I may be a better instrument in his hands to carry forward his work. Pray for me.

Feb. 10. J. P. HENDERSON.