MEETING IN HILLSDALE by W. B. CASTLE

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 20, 1868

MEETING IN HILLSDALE.

By W. B. CASTLE

For some time past we have felt a desire to speak, through the REVIEW, in regard to our meetings. When Bro. and Sr. Byington were with us, some time since, a good work was done for the church. We had some very solemn meetings. Efforts were made in behalf of the lost sheep, which, we believe, were not in vain. While laboring to this end, Bro. and Sr. Byington, with the church, received a rich blessing. We then felt that some report should be made, but refrained, expecting to see one from Bro. Byington.

At our Monthly Meeting, Oct. 3 and 4, Bro. Bates was with us. Six discourses were delivered, on subjects applicable to the times. We also had two conference meetings, characterized by increasing interest. We were happy to see a number from other churches present. May they come often.

Evening after the Sabbath, after having delivered a short discourse, Bro. Bates made a request for those who wanted to go forward in the ordinance of baptism, to come forward to vacated seats; when, to our great joy, eleven responded, all children and youth of our Sabbath school, excepting one, the son of Bro. Wm. Carpenter, of Hanover. We united with Heaven in rejoicing. We saw our prayers being answered. With tears and weeping, some tried, for the first time, to confess the truth, and their Saviour.

But some were thought to be too young, so did not go forward. One concluded to further consider the step, and her ways, and try to be better prepared when a future opportunity shall present itself.

After the forenoon discourse, on first-day, we repaired to the source of the St. Joseph, where six of the above number were buried with their Lord in baptism, to rise, and walk, we trust, in newness of life. Also, one was re-baptized. The Lord met with us there, and thus accepted of the work. We delight more and more, while beholding the believers going forward in this beautiful ordinance. How appropriate!

Shortly after this we returned to our house of prayer, where five of those who had been baptized were received into the church, and one, who had been separated from us for a number of years, was again restored to fellowship.

The ordinances of the Lord’s house were then celebrated, and, while washing feet, we were made happy according to our Saviour’s promise.

In the evening Bro. Bates spoke on that soul-inspiring theme, the second advent of our Lord and Saviour. Thus closed one of the best series of meetings we have ever enjoyed in this place. And while Bro. Bates goes on to his appointments, and work, we feel that we are living in the “morning watch” of our advent experience. May we all be able to have oil in our vessels, our lamps trimmed and burning, and advance with the rising work of the third angel’s message.

W. B. CASTLE.