Meetings in Wisconsin by Isaac Sanborn

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 28, 1866

Meetings in Wisconsin.

By Isaac Sanborn

BRO. WHITE: Bro. Matteson and myself have given twenty-six lectures in Whitewater, Wis. Our congregations have been small, on account of prejudice, which seemed to be impregnable until we commenced upon the nature of man. Then the Methodist minister gave notice that he would speak upon that subject. We all went to hear him. After he had dismissed his meeting, I gave notice that we would review him at the hall the next evening. He told the people that we were sold out and could not get a congregation. He then said he would preach on the same subject the

next Sunday evening. We went to hear him again, and after he dismissed his congregation I gave notice that I would review him the next evening at the hall; whereupon he broke out in a perfect rage, and wanted to know what business I had there, and why I came there to disturb their cause. He then told the sexton he ought to put me out of the house; and said he hoped the authorities would take care of me. One of his members standing near, said if I spoke another word he would jerk me. They fairly trembled with rage. Some of the members of his church said they would not hear him again. Others said they were ashamed of him.

On Monday evening, quite a large congregation were present to hear the Elder’s sermon reviewed. Monday morning, at 9 A. M., about two hundred people assembled at the water side and witnessed the baptism of five persons as they followed their Lord in this solemn ordinance. Three of them had decided to keep all God’s commandments since we commenced our meetings here. Others are deciding. We pray the Lord to help them to decide to follow the light of truth, as it shines upon their minds, that they may not be condemned in the day of the Lord, but may hear the welcome, “Thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of thy Lord.”

ISAAC SANBORN.

Johnstown Center, Wis.