Untitled article by P. Strong

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 29, 1867

REPORT FROM BRO. STRONG.

By P. Strong

Sept. 24th, after having a hard time with the dumb ague, I went to Bro. Nelson’s, where I spent the rest of the week taking baths and resting for the coming Sabbath.

Friday the 27th, I preached the funeral discourse of Bro. William Nelson’s youngest child, and in the evening held a meeting with the brethren in Ithaca. Spent Sabbath and first-day with them. Found them united and trying to overcome; still there is a great work for them to do in the reform. Oh! that all may move out understandingly is our prayer.

Oct. 1 and 2, held meetings in the Wright district, five miles northwest of Alma. Found a few scattered brethren holding on to the Sabbath. They were much encouraged and wished me to stay longer. There are enough here to form quite a little church if they would get into a working position. But we would say to them, Cast away your idols, press together, live out the truth, and Heaven is yours.

Sabbath eve, Oct. 4, once more at Alma. The blessing of the Lord rested down upon us while trying to show that Christ is our peace. Eph. ii, 14. Sabbath morning, preached on the necessity of prayer, and it was followed by a covenant meeting, in which most took part. A deep spirit of confession was manifested in many, while others who have long lived in neglect, are still determined to stand in the way. We then went to the water where four willing subjects were buried with their Lord. Meeting again in the evening. First-day morning, preached on the necessity of having the whole armor on, which was followed by a business meeting, in which Bro. Nelson (the Elder) tried to point out the necessity of all bearing the cross at all times and also to effect a reconciliation in some who feel like standing on their dignity, being hurt by a reproof from Elder W., not taking into consideration Paul’s testimony, “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruits of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Heb. xii, 11. Yet hearty confessions were made by others, and we hope the good work will go on.

After the business meeting closed we were again called to the water’s edge, where three more showed their faith in a risen Lord by following him in baptism. Sunday evening I tried to point out the signs of the times as recorded in Matthew xxiv, to a full house of attentive listeners. Many are waked up, and I hope that the work will go on till the dark cloud which has been brought on them by disobedience will be moved away.

I now leave this place till the Quarterly Meeting the first of next month.

Oct. 7 to 11, I spent in visiting and study. Oct. 12 and 13, held meetings at Ithaca. In covenant meeting most of them took a lively interest. Held a business meeting on first-day in which the good of the cause was taken into consideration.

This closes our meetings in this county for the present. We came here in company with Bro. and Sr. White, a stranger to all. Have formed many happy acquaintances and enjoyed some excellent meetings for which we feel grateful. We trust also that our labor has not been in vain. Five new ones have united with the church and fifteen been baptized. Many are moving out on the reform, still there is great need of consecration to the truth.

We leave, with many thanks to kind brethren for their care toward us, and hope to see them in the overcoming work, at the quarterly gathering, and on Mount Zion, saved with the redeemed host.

P. STRONG.

Ithaca, Oct. 14, 1867.