Labors in Wisconsin by R. F. Andrews

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 26, 1867

Labors in Wisconsin.

By R. F. Andrews

My last report closed with an account of the meeting at Little Prairie, Wis. Jan. 4, Bro. Olds took his team and carried me to Oakland, where I found a hearty welcome, and a good pilgrim's home, at the house of Bro. A. Olson. I held ten meetings with the brethren, during which I preached seven times. There is some interest outside of the church to hear the truth. I trust the Lord will bless these dear brethren, and help them to be faithful to the end.

Jan. 9, left for Mackford. Held seven meetings with the brethren here. The Lord gave liberty in presenting the truth, and the dear saints were encouraged to press forward with renewed zeal.

The 16th and 17th, I spent with the little company at Dell Prairie. These dear brethren and sisters are trying to overcome and be ready to meet the dear Saviour when he comes.

The 18th, Bro. Gilding took his team and carried me to Mauston to attend the Quarterly Meeting there. The Lord sanctioned our meeting by his presence, and we felt that it was good for us to be there. There is quite an interest to hear among the people. We trust that God will help his saints, to take a course that will exalt the truth. Bro. Russell gave a very instructive and interesting lecture on the Health question, to which the people paid excellent attention. As we left the place we felt to thank God that we were ever permitted to hear the present truth, and that we had strength given to receive and embrace it.

The Lord is leading his people. The truth is shining brighter and brighter, and we above all people ought to praise the Lord for his lovingkindness to us.

The 21st, returned to Dell Prairie. Held meetings with the brethren there till the 24th. The youth and children are interested in the truth, and for their own salvation. Our heart's desire is that God may strengthen them to take upon them the yoke of Christ. These parents have a work to do. God grant that they may have wisdom from above to do it well. Lead your children, dear parents, to the arms of Jesus, remembering that they that come unto him he will in no wise turn empty away. Precious Saviour! always willing to hear the cries of the truly penitent, and to rescue those that want to be rescued from the thralldom of sin. Soon his mediatorial work will be done. Then mercy will have fled forever. Oh! how important to improve the present time.

The 24th, I left for Hundred Mile Grove. Bro. Gilding took his team and kindly carried me there, a distance of forty miles. The Lord reward him for this act of kindness. The brethren here have had some trials to pass through, and on account of a lack of thorough confession and humility, on the part of the erring, there was not that freedom in our meetings that we would like to have seen; but before we left, things assumed a different aspect, and we trust that confidence and sweet union may be restored among these dear brethren and sisters. How much we need to cultivate the graces of the Spirit of God in our hearts. Dear brethren let us try to excel in love and good works. “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his.”

The 30th, I left for Sand Prairie. Our meeting here was truly refreshing. There was one load of brethren and sisters from Waukon, Iowa. It cheered our hearts to see these veterans in the cause of present truth, and to hear them tell of the power of God manifested among his people under the proclamation of the first and second angels' messages. The Lord met with us and poured out his blessing upon us. Praise his blessed name! The cause has suffered much here on account of the unrighteous course of L. G. Bostwick; but the brethren and sisters are doing all in their power to redeem it from reproach. The people have manifested quite a desire to hear the truth, and a few are almost persuaded to go with the remnant to Mount Zion. I leave this place for Monroe to-morrow.

R. F. ANDREWS. Sand Prairie, Feb. 5, 1867.