THE GENERAL MEETING AT ST. CHARLES MICH.
By George I. Butler
WE had the privilege of attending this interesting meeting. It was an occasion of profit to many. There was a good attendance from all parts of the district, and the neat and pleasant meeting-house was quite well filled. The Lord gave freedom in preaching his word. At first the meeting seemed to drag rather heavily, so far as any movement among the people was concerned, although the plain, close, and cutting truths applicable to our people at this time were being presented. We set before them the nearness of Christ’s coming, and spoke of the work to be done by our people from the text, “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.” Light did not seem especially to break into the meeting until Sunday afternoon. While the missionary meeting was in progress, the people began to feel more and more deeply; and while attempting to impress upon them the necessity of going to work and laboring to shed abroad the light of truth, the Spirit of the Lord came into the meeting in a powerful manner. Many spoke who had not done so for a long time, even for years; some who had been disfellowshipped, and many who had long been in the dark, were weeping and confessing their sins, and the hearts of God’s people greatly rejoiced. We expected to return to Battle Creek on Monday morning because of the many things there which needed attention; but the congregation by a large vote requested us to remain over another day. On Monday our audience was still large, nearly all having remained. That morning, after a season of prayer and the discourse, a large number expressed by a rising vote their determination to give themselves wholly to God’s work. We then inquired if there were any who were at a great distance from God who now wished to seek him. About twenty manifested their desire by coming forward. They confessed their sins, and asked for the prayers of God’s people. It was an occasion of much interest. The Lord’s blessing came in, and all felt that it was a season of great profit. Among the two or three hundred present, there seemed to be a great interest to enter anew into the work of God by taking hold of the missionary work, obtaining subscriptions for our periodicals, etc. A large number voted that they would enter upon this work at once. Many confessed that they had, under discouragement, ceased to do anything in the cause, and in consequence had fallen into church trials and difficulties; but now they felt determined to set their faces the other way, and enter the work anew. All felt greatly benefited by the meeting. We know the Lord helped in the preaching, and we feel much encouraged to see how willing he is to aid us when we seek him. We believe the Lord is ready to bless his people. We must break through this spell that seems to hang over us, and go to work. Watch, pray, and work, are the Christian’s watchwords.