Quarterly Meeting in Monroe, Wis.
By C. H. Rogers
THE Quarterly Meeting held in this place, March 26 and 27, was one to which we look back with pleasure, as a time when the Lord graciously smiled upon us, and gave us the cheering evidence of his saving presence. The church some time ago began to realize their backwardness and lukewarmness, and awake and heed the solemn appeal to the Laodicean church, “Be zealous and repent;” and as we felt our wretched and lost condition, we began the work of getting nearer to the Lord. We accordingly set apart the week previous to the meeting, to earnest prayer and supplication to the Lord, that he would visit us in mercy; and as we assembled nightly to join our hearts and mingle our voices before our Heavenly Father’s throne, we felt the influence of the Spirit witnessing with ours that it was pleasing to him. A spirit of humility and confession came into our midst, and the flowing tears of penitence and contrition gave evidence that the Lord was with us to help us correct our wrongs, and put them away, that he might raise us up; and as we neared the time of our general meeting, we felt indeed that the Lord was waiting to bestow upon us the fullness of his love. But what was our disappointment when we learned that Bro. Andrews could not meet with us. We had so confidently expected that he would come and help us in the work we had commenced so encouragingly. But the presence and blessing of the Lord does not depend on one man, but on the consecration and heavenly zeal manifested. On the whole our Quarterly Meeting was a good one. The appointments that had gone out were filled by Bro. G. L. Holiday, of Albany, to entire acceptance of the brethren and sisters, and throughout the whole the sweet and gentle Spirit seemed to be felt by all. Our business session passed off harmoniously, during which some important changes were made which we trust will benefit the church. Bro. Holiday returned home feeling that the Lord had graciously met him on the way with a blessing, and we all felt encouraged to double our diligence, and be more alive to our duty, that we may at last be saved. May the Lord help us that we hold fast that which we have, that no man take our crown. C. H. ROGERS.