Untitled article by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 5, 1867

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 21

THE ROOSEVELT MEETING.

By James White

In company with Bro. and sister Bourdeau and Bro. Orcutt we left Battle Creek the 23d inst. At Rochester, N. Y., we joined Bro. and sister Andrews and Bro. and sister Gaskill the 24th, and in company with them and other brethren we met at Syracuse, we reached the place of meeting a little after sunset.

We were glad to hear that the brethren were coming in from all parts of the State. We were weary when we left Battle Creek. And although we were taken all the dreary way through Canada in the Palace Sleeping Car, yet we slept but little, and now that we

were comfortably situated at sister Drake's we enjoyed a good long night's rest in refreshing sleep.

Sabbath morning the house of worship was full at an early hour. Here we were happy to meet Bro. Taylor, Whitney, Edson, Rhodes, Wheeler, and many of the old hands in the cause. But we are sorry to say that many of these seemed to be bound in spiritual darkness, some for this cause, and some for that. Mrs. W. and self occupied most of the time during the Sabbath with as much freedom as could be expected under the circumstances. Pointed testimony reached many, but they seemed too weak to rise and free themselves.

In the evening closer testimony was given. There was but little freedom, but it was a time of general conviction.

First-day morning the brethren were together at nine, and a social meeting continued till half past ten. I then spoke one hour and a half upon the law and the gospel. The congregation listened with unusual attention. In the afternoon a social meeting was enjoyed, in which Bro. Bourdeau and Andrews and Mrs. W. took part with stirring testimonies. It was evident that a great work must be done for the brethren, especially for the Roosevelt church. Bro. Rhodes led off with good confessions, and received encouragement and sympathy. Others confessed their wrongs and backsliding, and the entire meeting warmed into the work.

It was decided to hold the meeting another day, and at nine in the morning of second day, the brethren assembled. I have only time to say that this was a day of great labor, and a great work was done. Nine hours were spent in exhortations, confessions, and prayers for repenting backsliders and sinners. The afternoon meeting held from two till eight, and closed up with thirty forward for prayers, most of whom spoke with weeping. We are pained to leave the work unfinished. But we must leave for the cars at eight this morning. It is six while I write by a lamp, and as we have yet to take breakfast, hold another meeting, and pack up for Maine, this report must go meagre and incomplete.

I will here add that nothing stands in the way of our testimony in this State. Testimony No. 13 explains matters to the satisfaction of all and the relief of many who have suffered under false reports. The brethren have shown their love for us in deed as well as in word. As our real work is seen and better understood, and the condition of our worldly matters is known, there is no lack of sympathy on the part of the people. We fear they will do too much for us. The elders of the Battle Creek church have kindly sent a circular to some of the brethren in different States. This we now regret, as we choose to have no general action in our behalf. The idea generally entertained that we had considerable property has been in the way of our receiving that sympathy and help we sometimes needed. Now that this is removed, we shall lack neither.

JAMES WHITE.

Roosevelt, Oct. 29, 1867.