Labors and Victory in Bloomington, Wisconsin
By D. Downer
SINCE my last report I have been trying to labor on. Bro. Atkinson left me to work on our meeting-house at Mt. Hope. Soon Bro. Sutherland went home, leaving me alone. People at Bloomington seemed determined not to yield. Our tent was considerably injured by wind; that, in connection with cold weather, compelled us to strike our tent. Interested persons then tried to get the Methodist church. Just as I had given up all hope, they sent word I could have it. Since then I have been cautiously presenting the truth. My congregation has been good. But few professors came out. Those that did, came to find fault. Many times while there I wept in agony, so great was my desire to see the glory of God manifested among the people. People had lost confidence in professors. Many times I have wept as I have felt I must leave Bloomington almost entirely in possession of our common enemy. About one week ago, while speaking on the state of the dead, one of the ministers arose and disputed me. I noticed his remarks kindly. He interrupted me again, and seemed quite agitated, and said he would review me in his church, which he did. I attended. His audience was large and attentive. I reviewed him before the same people in a discourse of two hours and a half. Mighty angels I believe were sent to defend the truth, and the word of the Lord won a great victory. Since that, God has worked powerfully for us. Nearly every meeting has since been attended with deep feeling. One thing has greatly aided me at Bloomington.167Bro. and sister Osborn were members of the Baptist church six years ago, but have since been Sabbath keepers. They have been faithful and have the confidence of the people, which has encouraged us to labor on. I think I have never seen a greater change in so short a time than I witnessed at Bloomington. My last sermons were made solemn on account of God's presence. The long looked-for time seemed to have come, and there was certainly a very melting time. All, or nearly all, were in tears as we showed them their sins and pointed them to Christ. Several have declared their intentions to keep the commandments of God. Many are now favorable and ready to defend the truth who were opposing it bitterly. We leave with them $23.00 worth of books. They are anxious to hear and read more of this truth. I now have to leave for Monroe, to attend a general gathering of the brethren there the 19th and 20th of Oct., then attend a meeting at Burns where several of the scattered saints are expected to assemble. As I leave this field for a few weeks, I look back over my summer's work. When I started out with the tent I trembled, this being my first year in such labor. I cannot tell what the final result of our summer's work will be. It now looks truly encouraging. It has been a summer of agony and tears. How refreshing it seems to stop awhile and breathe free once more. But one burden is removed only to give place for another. Who has greater trials than the watchman? God raises up a company of believers. We learn to love them for their works of love. Then how sad it is to leave them. But we are almost home. Do we believe it? Do our actions show it? Are we groaning under our burdens? Oh! brethren, come one and all, to the rescue of God's truth. Let us throw away formality and pride, and see what God will do. Let truth shine. If it gives light, people will see it. I still desire the prayers of those who can prevail with God. D. DOWNER. Mt. Hope, Wis., Oct. 15, 1872.