Report from Bro. Andrews.
By R. F. Andrews
BRO. WHITE: I have not been silent so long, because my interest in the truth is abated. My confidence in the entire system of present truth, never was stronger than at present. My soul says, Praise the Lord for such glorious light. I believe with all my heart, that the good Shepherd is still leading his flock. My prayer is that we may be kept meek, and submissive, and always hearken to his voice. Our Conference at Johnstown Centre, Rock Co., Wis., was excellent. We were favored with the faithful labors of our beloved Bro. Loughborough, and were encouraged by his cheerful countenance, and his faithful testimony once more. The Lord will raise up his servants. Praise his blessed name. Wednesday, July 4th, held a meeting at 4 o'clock P. M., with the church at Clyde, Ill. Spoke to them on the subject of God's leading his people, and the importance of our being in union and sympathy with the work of God, and of coming up to that work with all our hearts. At the close of the meeting, the brethren present re-arranged their s. b., adding over $70.00 to our s. b. Fund for the present Conference year. There were also five more shares taken in the Health Institution. Most of the brethren have the cause of God near their hearts, and are willing, and anxious to do what God requires. Some lack spirituality and devotion to the cause. We hope and pray for a revival of the work of God in all our hearts. July 5th, left home for Rockton, Ill. Arrived there the 6th, labored with the brethren till July 12th, preaching, and visiting from house to house. The brethren here were in a somewhat cold and stupid condition, but we were glad to see a waking up among them before we left. We had freedom in presenting the truth. One new convert took a stand on the commandments of God while we were there. We trust the dear brethren and sisters at Rockton will be more watchful and sober, try to understand the devices of Satan, and pray earnestly for grace and strength to shun them all. It is no time to falter and faint now,—Jesus is soon coming. Courage and perseverance, brethren. Eternal life will soon be given. Let us each see to it that we get us ready for the Lord's coming. Paul says, "Examine yourselves." Oh that the Lord may help us to do it faithfully. July 12th, left for McConnell's Grove, Ill. This church has passed through severe trials, but I believe the Lord has a people here yet. There were some of the brethren from Monroe present, Sabbath and Sunday. The Lord encouraged us all, and we felt that it was good to try to do his will. On Sunday P. M., we had a business meeting. The brethren re-arranged their s. b., raising it from $55.33 to $87.36. This shows that their love for the truth is unabated. We were glad to see some who had almost given up the truth, determine in the strength of the Lord to go through to the Kingdom with his people. Dear brethren at McConnell's Grove, (and every where else) hold fast the beginning of your confidence firm unto the end; for those who keep the commandments of God will finally "have a right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city." O Lord write thy Law in all our hearts; help us to see it in its length and breadth, depth and hight, that we may be enabled to love thee with all our hearts, and love our neighbor as we do ourselves. July 18, left for Mackford, Wis. Owing to the short notice the brethren had of the meeting, there were not a great many out. The brethren here are quite scattered, but all remain firm in the truth (with the exception of one), as far as we know. We had help from the Lord to present his truth to these dear brethren, and the word spoken seemed to take effect. That the Lord may preserve his people here blameless till Jesus comes, is our prayer. Bro. Baker takes us this afternoon with his team to Ripon on our way to Fish Lake, to try to strengthen the things that remain there. We have the best of health, for which we thank the Lord. And we feel encouraged to labor on in this blessed cause. Brethren, pray for us. Mackford, Wis., July 24, 1866.