Untitled article by Wm. Johnston

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · December 17, 1867

From Bro. Johnston.

By Wm. Johnston

Bro. Smith: After four weeks’ absence among the brethren in Trumbull and Ashtabula counties, I arrived at home in good health, for which, I desire to be truly thankful. While among the brethren, I preached every Sabbath—once at Orwell, besides attending their Wednesday evening prayer meetings. Here, our good brother Hutchinson offered me a room and other accommodations if I would move to that part of the country. At Wayne, the brethren received me with open arms and hearts, and treated me with much respect and kindness; and insisted on my staying with them all winter, if possible. Here I preached on three Sabbaths, and one first-day. The good Master was present, to give liberty in speaking, and to refresh our weary spirits.

On last Sabbath we had indeed a precious time. All the brethren and sisters belonging to the church were present, and Bro. Marfield, from Orwell, was also with us. The meeting was continued near three hours. Many prayers were offered up; many testimonies given; till all present were melted down into contrition and tenderness; while tears of joy and gratitude flowed from many eyes. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” There were none but Sabbath-keepers present on this occasion.

The second Sabbath I was at this place; we had three or four who expressed their disapprobation, and asked several questions, which I answered to the entire satisfaction of the brethren. I spoke from Gal. vi, 7, 8: “Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.” In speaking of the deception of Satan, I pointed out some few of the popular errors of the present time, and cautioned the congregation against them.

The brethren in Wayne seem to be as much interested in the present truth as any people I have as yet been among. May the Lord preserve them in the unity of the Spirit and bonds of peace until Jesus comes to take his weary followers home. Amen.

Wm. Johnston.

Smithville, O., Nov. 20, 1867.