p. 221 | Untitled article by H. T. HAWLEY

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 17, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 14

FROM TITTABAWASSEE, MICH.

By H. T. HAWLEY

BRO. SMITH: Permit me through the columns of the Review to say a few words concerning the visit of Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. J. N. Andrews to this place.

I would say first, that it is with heart-felt gratitude to God, and many thanks to Bro. M. E. Cornell for his labors of love, in the faithful presentation of the truth here, that we have thus been enabled to secure their brief services at all. Bro. C. will be held in grateful remembrance by this church, while memory shall last. May the Lord bless his labors, and crown them with that success elsewhere, that he has been pleased to do here. Through his teachings, reading the Review and Spiritual Gifts, we had gained a knowledge of the important relation which Bro. and Sr. White sustained in connection with the rise and progress of the third angel’s message. We felt very anxious to hear their testimony. Accordingly, through an invitation sent them by a unanimous vote of our church, we have been pleased to receive a visit from them. I must say we had 'great expectations' and were only happily disappointed. Our feelings bordered on the reverential as we saw how premature age had taken hold of Bro. White, and remembered why it was. Yet notwithstanding their worn and jaded condition, they did not suffer the banner of the cross to trail; but bore it aloft, and defended the truth with fervent zeal and strength in the Lord. It seemed strange, considering the physical disability of Bro. and Sr. White, that they should be enabled to preach with so much force and power. 'Truly they know in whom is their strength. There was previously quite a general confidence in the testimonies of Sr. White and their source, but that confidence has been greatly strengthened and confirmed.

In her exhortations and warning, reproofs and encouragements, every case among us seemed to be met. Also her impressive appeal to the sinner was such as to banish from their minds all opposition and prejudice. We all felt to exclaim, Truly 'this is the Lord’s doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes.' Bro. Andrews stood the minute man of the occasion, ever ready at a moment’s notice to stand up, and in his clear and forcible manner, present the claims of present truth. We feel that their united labors with us have been signally blest of the Lord. Some for whom we had felt a deep interest, and who had been with us in sentiment, and had rendered material aid in our time of need, were brought into the fold, and into Christian fellowship with us. May the same kind Providence that has thus far watched over, and sustained them in their arduous labors, and given them the victory in the contest for truth, still lead them on to conquer, until the blessed Jesus shall crown them and us together with immortality and eternal life.

H. T. HAWLEY.

Tittabawassee, March 8, 1868.

P. S. Inclosed, I send you Preamble and Resolutions passed unanimously by our church the next meeting we held after Bro. and Sr. White left us.

H. T. H.