MEETINGS AT TITTABAWASSEE.
By Julia A. Griggs
“Good is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,” I have often repeated the past three days while attending meetings in this place. The Spirit of the Lord is here to convince of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come. Sabbath and Sunday we gathered at the river, where twenty-two followed their Saviour down into the water. How impressive the scene! Angels, I doubt not, were there to witness and report the glad tidings in Heaven. May those who thus put on Christ before many witnesses adorn their profession by walking humbly with their God. We have listened to several searching, practical discourses by Elds. Cornell and Strong. Oh, that these truths may grow in our hearts and bear fruit to the glory of God. Evening after Sabbath we enjoyed a refreshing season in social meeting. Sinners were pricked to the heart, and with tears confessed the truth. Many wept as their friends for whom their hearts were yearning arose, for the first time, and expressed their determination to keep the commandments. Deep solemnity rested upon the congregation. The Lord was there. How precious such seasons. I count it a bright spot in my experience, to be laid away in the heart with other like memories, and called forth in hours of despondency and gloom to cheer and encourage the fainting soul. The Lord is willing to work for this people. He is waiting to be gracious. I trust there will yet be a greater ingathering of souls. May a spirit of humility and confession come in and take possession of every heart, then will the Lord manifest himself in power. Some are still hesitating and doubting. “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision; for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” Probation lingers a little. Who will be willing to renounce the world and take their stand with the remnant? God is testing this people with his truth. How will they decide? Will they choose a few months or years of pleasure, a few more dollars to “eat their flesh as it were fire,” or an immortal inheritance with the saints in light? Now is the time to obey the gracious call from Heaven. Too late some will acknowledge that they have heard the truth, “And when this cometh to pass (lo! it will come), then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.” Never before have I so deeply realized the great burden resting upon the faithful messenger who is called to sound the last notes of warning—how they weep, pray, agonize, and plead with the people to be reconciled to God, laboring amid scoffs and reproaches, in weariness and pain. Oh! do we stay up the hands of the worn servants of God as we ought? Do we assist in bearing their burdens by earnest and importunate prayer to God in their behalf? And do we cry earnestly enough to the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into the wide harvest-field now ready and waiting for the reapers? God grant that we may awake to all our responsibilities lest we be spewed out of the mouth of the faithful and true Witness. I am thankful that I have been favored with the acquaintance of so many friends of truth. I leave them with regret, yet hoping and praying that when the Lord shall send forth his angels with the command, “Gather my saints together unto me; those who made a covenant with me by sacrifice,” we shall meet again. Eternal life is set before us. Who will accept and inherit a glorious reward in a happy, peaceful land. “Where no storms ever beat on the glittering strand,
While the years of eternity roll!” Tittabawassee, Mich., Nov. 18, 1867.