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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 21, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 42.

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Maryland

By L. E. SUFFICOOl

SMITHSBURG.— Sabbath, October 9, the writer met with our brethren and sisters at Smithsburg. Friday evening we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. We shall remember this gathering as one blessed of God. Never in our experience with this people have we witnessed greater evidence of the immediate presence of God than we experienced at this meeting. Much time was spent invoking divine aid, confessing sins, pleading for forgiveness, and by faith laying hold of the promises of God. Several not of our faith were present, whose hearts were touched, and the flowing tear expressed far more eloquently than words the desire of the heart for liberty from the dominion of sin and condemnation.
Sabbath morning at the close of the Sabbath-school, the writer addressed a few words to the congregation, based on Ezekiel 18. Again the Spirit of the Lord came among us, and when opportunity was given for sinners to return to the fold, three made an unconditional surrender. How good it was to see husbands and wives in each other’s arms confessing their sins and seeking forgiveness. Those who had hindered their companions, speaking evil of the church, now with tears humbly confessed their sins, and asked for the solemn rite of baptism. In harmony with their request we administered baptism in the afternoon. We expect to baptize others in the near future.
During the last three months five have united with this church by confession of faith, and six with the Hagerstown church. Still others are keeping the Sabbath and attending our services regularly, expecting to unite soon.
With the psalmist we will now say, “Praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.”
L. E. SUFFICOOl.