REPORT FROM BRO. FULLER.
By N. Fuller
Bro. J. W. Raymond and myself continued meetings at Woodhull, until Feb. 28. We had given fifteen discourses, with an increase of interest up to that time, and then we found the words of Rev. xii, 17, to be true. There is a church in the vicinity calling themselves Adventists. I cannot say first-day Adventists, for a part of them take the no-Sabbath and no-law position. But I am glad to say for the credit of the church, I think a small part take that position. I cannot call them Age-to-come; for when one of their ministers would come and preach that doctrine, another would come and overthrow it. A minister by the name of Marlatt, belonging to them, did all he could to oppose the Sabbath, by trying to put down the law of God. He came to the meetings occasionally until his wife acknowledged in public that she believed from what she had heard that God had a holy day, and she should examine for herself, and if she became satisfied it was the seventh day, she should keep it whether any of the rest did or not. Good decision. Eld. Marlatt did not attend again until their covenant meeting last seventh-day. We were invited to lead their meeting. He came in very late, (not because he had far to come, for he lived but about eighty rods distant) and took no part in the meeting except in the business transactions. Some business was called up, and it was evident the Elder was hard to be suited. Deacon Baxter was in the chair. The Elder arose and said, “I request that my name be dropped from the church book.” Deacon Shirley made the motion. It was seconded by the clerk, and he was dropped without comment. Two sisters followed, requesting to have their names dropped. It was done with dispatch. The chair then inquired if there was any more wishing to be dropped. One sister, who has long felt she was crushed, took hold of the promises of God anew. Another who three months ago, requested that her name should be dropped, asked the clerk if it had been; finding it had not, she resolved to go on and serve the Lord with them. But something very serious had happened. Several of the church had stated, even publicly, and repeatedly, that they were going to serve God hereafter by keeping all his commandments. Something must be done. They could not stop the people from going to hear, nor could even some of them be stopped from believing and advocating the truths of God. What could be done? Eld. Marlatt's father was trustee, and the school-house was of course under his control. I remember of hearing a full-grown boy, who, when any one did that which displeased him, would say, “I will tell father.” Well, it is evident the Elder decided to “tell father.” And “father” came between the afternoon and evening meetings and locked the house. Same spirit which commanded Paul not to teach any more in the name of Christ. Mr. Baker opened a private room for us the evening after first-day. We had a quiet sitting together in the Lord, after which I took four names for the REVIEW and one for the Instructor. It was decided to hold some meetings at East Woodhull, where we had held a few before. I would say to those who believe we have the truth, there is a responsibility upon you to live it out. Shall opposition, or reproach, or friends, or worldly interest, stand in your way? It is through much tribulation that you may expect to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Heaven belongs only to the self-denying, sacrificing, God-fearing, Christ-loving sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty. And we are made such by coming out from error, and darkness, and taking our stand on the broad platform of God's immortal truth. Wellsville, March 1, 1869.