The Work in Marshall by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 29, 1875

The Work in Marshall.

By Uriah Smith

SABBATH, July 24, a church of S. D. Adventists was organized in Marshall, Mich., as per appointment in last REVIEW. Nine entered into the organization. Others will unite with them soon. Bro. J. Dickey was chosen Elder, sister S. A. Gilbert, Clerk, Bro. J. K. Gilbert, Collector and Treasurer. They entered heartily, with good feeling and union, into the work, and we have every reason to believe will find themselves greatly strengthened by the move they have made.

Brethren and sisters came in from adjoining churches, so that the congregation numbered between sixty and seventy. After the exercises of organization, a short time was taken up in remarks setting forth the peculiar position the people of God are called into by the truths for this time, as brought to view in Isa. 8 : 18.

The meeting was held in the Christian house of worship, which had been kindly granted for the purpose. But as it could be occupied by us only till two o’clock, P. M., it was decided to enter at once upon a social meeting. This, the brethren and sisters took hold of with spirit, and we had a meeting of good interest. Forty-two spoke, and their testimonies showed that the truth was growing to them more sacred and precious continually. It was remarked by one well qualified to judge that he never attended a meeting, unless at a larger gathering, where the time was taken up with more interesting remarks. The cheering character of the meeting was no secret; for the blessing of the Lord was there, and where his blessing is, there is liberty, and there it is good to be.

Bro. Dickey, who now takes his place as Elder of the new church, had been a member of the Christian church, and had worshiped in the house where we were then convened, for the past twenty years. As he there united with others to form a new body, the scene was calculated to call up the tenderest memories of the past, and revive the recollection of former associations. But he was able to testify with a depth of feeling he was hardly able to control, that he had been led to sever his connection with his former brethren, not because he loved them less, but only because he loved the truth more. He still entertains the best wishes (in which we all felt to join) for his former people, and a strong desire that they may also be led to see, and embrace the truths which are shining out so clearly from the word of God in these last days, and which are of such infinite importance if they are truth.

Others had similar statements to make respecting those with whom they had formerly been associated. But the truth has proved stronger than all previous ties, and has called them out upon the broad and high platform, the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Sister B. of Convis referred to the wonderful period in the history of that church when herself and two other sisters, all of them from different denominations, were all that had taken their stand there upon the truth.

But they held on to the truth, and the truth held them, till the Lord sent help, and a flourishing church was raised up there.

We trust that this beginning of the organization in Marshall may be but the nucleus around which many others shall in due time gather; and that a company of precious souls may be saved from that place in the day of the Lord.

U. S.