p. 54 | Report from Centerville, Mich

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 16, 1866

Report from Centerville, Mich.

By I. D. Van Horn; D. M. Canright

Dec. 28, we again met at Centerville, after an absence of two months. We found all our brethren and sisters firm in the truth, and trying to live it out. We felt that they were truly growing in grace, and the knowledge of the truth daily. This was a very hard, wicked place. We were told that it was useless to go there; but we went in the name of the Lord and present truth, and they did not fail. Worldly, ungodly, and profane men yielded to the power of the truth, and are now devoted followers of Jesus. Instead of the dance, they attend the prayer-meeting; instead of the oath, we now hear the prayer. The teacher told us that it had made a great change even in the school.

On Sabbath and first-day we had good meetings. The people came out well to hear, and the brethren all resolved to consecrate themselves anew to God at the beginning of the New Year, so we concluded to hold a week's meeting with them for their benefit, and the conversion of others. On the evening of Jan. 2 we had a prayer-meeting at a private house. All our brethren and sisters, besides many others, were present. In secret prayer we had received evidence that the Lord would bless us here. We had a free time in prayer and conference till most of the friends had spoken. Then a man for whom we had long prayed, arose and said that he meant in the future to be a child of God. This gladdened all hearts very much. Next arose an aged, gray-haired man. With a full heart and trembling voice he said that he had once known God, but had long been wandering from the Father's house, to which as a penitent he now wished to return. He concluded by saying, "Let us pray." With solemn joy we all bowed before God. The trembling voice, the broken words, the low sobs, told that the Spirit of God was at work upon more hearts than one. As another and still another led out in prayer, the Spirit of God rested down upon us. The children of God began to praise him, and sinners were affected to weeping aloud. As soon as an opportunity was presented, one, and then another, and still another, arose in quick succession, and confessed their sins, asked pardon of God, and the prayers of his people. Eight thus gave in their first testimony to the religion of Jesus Christ. Never did we witness so glorious a scene before. The melting power of God was so manifestly present that all felt and acknowledged it. Some were confessing their sins, some were praising God, and many were weeping for joy. Wives saw their husbands coming to the Lord, parents beheld their children starting to serve God, and brothers and sisters were starting together to follow Jesus. We could only say, "Praise the Lord! praise the Lord!" Yet all was done "decently and in order." The foolish and shameful performances sometimes witnessed at revival meetings had no place here. The sweet, gentle Spirit of God was manifested in all that was said or done. It was the feeling of our hearts that we "were all filled with the Holy Ghost."

We thought that it was a good way to begin the year, and felt that we would not be discouraged any more. A good work has been done in this place, for which we feel to thank God. The cause of truth is prospering in this county. The brethren are becoming rooted and grounded in the faith, and begin to work in earnest. Other places are opening, which we hope to be able to visit. We find that it works well to stick to one field until we have gained the confidence of the people, and thoroughly established the brethren in the truth. Brethren, pray for us.

I. D. Van Horn. D. M. Canright.