Report from Bro. Andrews.
By R. F. Andrews
BRO. WHITE: When I reported last, I was about to leave Mackford, Wis., for Fish Lake. I arrived there July 25, and found the brethren glad to see me, and engaged in the work. They had their Sabbath meeting appointed out of their neighborhood, where they thought there was a prospect of doing some good. We continued the meetings over Sunday, and till the Thursday evening following. There was quite an interest to hear. At the close of the last meeting, we took an expression, to see how many believed that all the commandments of God were binding, and ought to be kept (the Sabbath not excepted). The entire congregation voted in the affirmative. Some have already decided to obey God, and we trust that others will soon. God grant that it may be so. The brethren here desire the cause to prosper, and are trying to live so that it may. Friday, Aug. 3, Bro. Dennis took his team and kindly carried me across to Dell Prairie, a distance of forty miles. There are only a few Sabbath-keepers here, and they meet with bitter opposition. We tried to get the Baptist Church (the only one in the place) to hold meetings in, but were refused, notwithstanding a short time before, they opened it to hold an Irish law-suit in. They despise the law of God, and the doctrine of the Lord’s coming. Their own words are, “I hate the second Advent doctrine,” and “if you keep the law, you are sure of hell.” According to this view, Solomon and the apostles, Paul and John, were in the wrong, and, corrected, would teach as follows: He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be very acceptable. Prov. xxviii, 9. There is a crown laid up for all them that hate his appearing. 2 Tim. iv, 8. Sin is the keeping of the law. 1 John iii, 4. This is the love of God, that ye transgress his commandments. 1 John v, 3. If this is not putting “darkness for light,” and calling “evil good,” what would it be to do it? Oh how God’s servants need to heed the instructions of the apostle Paul, 2 Tim. ii, 24-26. (Please read.) We tarried with the brethren till Monday; the 13th inst., preaching and laboring from house to house. Four have taken a decided stand to keep all the commandments of God. Their testimonies are, “We were compelled to believe. The evidence is so conclusive, we cannot get around it.” My heart says, Praise the Lord for his truth. It is clear, powerful, and convincing. We left this place strong in the faith that the Lord will search out his jewels, by the power of his precious truth. Oh, for more zeal and earnestness in the cause of God. Left by stage for Darlington, Monday evening, 13th inst., at 8 o’clock. Traveled by stage seventy-eight miles, and by railroad twenty-two miles, and arrived Wednesday, P. M., at three o’clock. We intend to stay over Sabbath and first-day, and then leave for home, so to attend the Quarterly Meeting at Clyde, Aug. 25 and 26. R. F. ANDREWS. Darlington, Wis., Aug., 1866.