Wisconsin Tent Meetings by David Downer; E. Sutherland

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 13, 1872

Wisconsin Tent Meetings.

By David Downer; E. Sutherland

Our meetings are progressing far beyond our expectations. It is now a very busy time of the year. Farmers are engaged in harvesting. We are located in the country in a very favorable locality, as there are seven roads all entering here. We are having from three to eight hundred in attendance at every meeting. People say the Bible is a new book to them, and they are astonished that their ministers do not explain the Bible and make it plain. We have now given our views on the condition of man, and the Sabbath; also quite a portion of the prophecies.

People come from one to twenty miles. Some are present every night from eight miles distant. Ministers seldom visit us, but are busy in visiting their flocks, advising them to stay away, making them believe they will confirm the word. Members tell their ministers they (the ministers) cannot sustain their positions.

Our stand is constantly decorated with choice flowers, brought in by good ladies and children of the country. Our cupboard is always full of provisions (we are boarding ourselves), gifts of friends. There is a strife among the people to see who can do the most for our comfort.

We were much annoyed by drunken Catholics last night, but God is working powerfully, to him be all the glory. We were visited by a stranger one night. He stayed to hear, over two days, then took reading with him. He said he believed God was doing a special work with this message.

Death-like silence generally prevails in our meetings. When we see the tremendous pressure toward the truth, we tremble before God, and cry for more of his guiding Spirit. May God help us, that these meetings may terminate in good. Brethren, while we are groaning under the burden, give us your earnest prayers. Several have avowed their intentions to keep the Sabbath. The test is soon coming; may the Lord help us, that our speaking may be effectual and accomplish the work.

DAVID DOWNER, E. SUTHERLAND.

Mount Hope, Wis., July 28, 1872.