QUARTERLY MEETING AT MARQUETTE.
By C. M. SHEPARD
By request I write a brief report of this meeting. We met, according to the appointment, in the new meeting-house, which, although not finished, was comfortable, the weather being warm. Having no preacher present we had a prayer and conference meeting in the forenoon, and another of the same character in the afternoon. Sr. Manley had just returned from the camp-meeting at Clyde and was present, and seemed to have brought the spirit of that meeting with her. She gave us a report of that meeting, and the testimony from the Lord for the Illinois and Wisconsin Conference was most cutting. It took a deep effect on the hearts of some, while others were not much moved. We felt there must be a breaking down, a rending of heart, a thorough conversion, such as we had not had; and it was decided that if our meeting broke up that day we should go home without being much benefited. So nearly all concluded to stay and continue the meeting another day. We were to have little prayer meetings at the several places where we stayed; but a goodly number of us, enough to fill one room pretty well, met together at Bro. Halleck’s. At the commencement of the meeting we felt the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, and about one hour was spent in prayer, striving to draw near to him by repentance and many tears, and we felt that he heard our cries, and was waiting to bless us when we got into a position where we could glorify him. It was now time for the meeting to close, but opportunity was given, if any one had a word to say. One arose and began to confess, and then another, and another, continually, and the same ones over again, and again, for nearly two hours. Such heartfelt repentance, and bitter weeping, by so many, I never saw before. There was perfect freedom in the meeting, and yet it was very quiet. I think it was the most solemn meeting that I ever attended. Those who held the most responsible positions were as free to confess as any other. The confessions which were made were of neglect, partially, some almost wholly, of secret prayer, love of the world, neglect of the Bible, want of love to one another, &c., &c. Parents confessed to children, and children to parents, brothers and sisters to each other, and we all felt that we were nearing the Judgment and wanted to be ready. It was an awakening time and yet we felt we were only partially awakened. Oh! that the truth which we felt in that meeting might be ever present in our minds until we got into a position where we can honor and glorify God in all we do. How good the Lord is in sending us so much light; and if we only walk in the light, it will shine more and more unto the perfect day. On first-day we had two more prayer and conference meetings; and in the last there was more union than at first, though the good Spirit did not work like heaven in every heart as we wished it might. I cannot bear to think that any of my brethren and sisters will be found asleep when the Master of the house cometh. We returned to our homes the following day, feeling abundantly repaid for the pains we had taken to attend the meeting, and thankful to Him who doeth all things well. C. M. SHEPARD. Beaver Dam, Wis., Oct. 8, 1868.