Untitled article | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · February 11, 1868

MONTHLY MEETING AT NEWTON, MICH.

This meeting, held Feb. 8, 1868, at which it was our privilege to be present, was one of interest, and, we trust, profit. Brethren were present from Parma, Leslie, Leroy, Monterey, Battle Creek, Convis, and Burlington. The house of worship was filled with nearly as many as could be comfortably seated. The brethren in Newton seemed to be greatly cheered by the presence of so many from abroad; and as they expressed their gratification, all who had come from other places felt amply repaid for the pains taken, to get to the meeting. But we had more than this; for the Lord evidently owned the efforts of his people to assemble together, and let his refreshing Spirit rest upon us.

We felt that it was good for brethren thus to meet together, in obedience to the apostolic injunction, not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, but to exhort one another and so much the more as we see the day approaching, and endeavor to aid and encourage each other in the work of avoiding present dangers, and getting ready for the issues before us. Nearly all in the house took part in the meeting. It was encouraging to see so much discernment manifested in regard to the times in which we are now living, and to hear such strong determinations expressed on the part of all to press forward in bright hope of speedy and certain deliverance.

The principal burden that seemed to rest upon the minds of the brethren was how to pass through the peculiar dangers that now encompass us, how to secure in our hearts the effects of the close and purifying work that must now be accomplished for the church, to prepare them to be taken into the personal presence of the Lord of glory, and the infinite importance of being in season in this work. The Lord now sits as the great refiner, ready to work for his people in the removal of their sins. Every stain may now be taken from us, as spots are removed from a garment by fuller's soap; every particle of dross may be purged away, as gold is purified by the refiner's fire. And this work must be done for us; but soon it will be too late. No fuller's soap, no refining fire, no cleansing fountain then. We may cherish some darling sin in heart or life if we will. The Lord will not take it forcibly away from us. But lo! it will leave its fatal spot upon our garment, and bar us out at last from the pure and white-robed hosts of the redeemed.

We believe a good impression was made by the meeting, and that those whose privilege it was to be present, went from the place with their probabilities of overcoming stronger than when they came. No better result could come from a meeting than this; for every particle of strength that can be imparted in this direction is now of untold value. We are confident that brethren living within any reasonable distance of these monthly gatherings would do well to attend them. The churches where they are held would be cheered by your presence, and you would get good to your own souls by so doing.