E. B. LANE by E. B. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 23, 1873

E. B. LANE

By E. B. Lane

Ohio.

Commenced labor among our brethren near Bowling Green, expecting to continue till a new field was selected. The outside interest was good, and all seemed stirred by the evidence of the near advent of Christ and the necessary preparation to meet him. Sabbath, Nov. 8, there was a general turning to God by the congregation. Nearly all the young made a start, and backsliders were reclaimed. On Monday night following, the church came together, settled past difficulties, that nothing might stand in the way of the work. We then changed the meetings into a protracted effort—a short discourse and social meeting after. Each night we were encouraged by individuals making a start, or rising for prayers. In the daytime, we held meetings from house to house.

The young have their prayer-meeting, conducted entirely by themselves, all taking part in prayer and bearing testimony. It is now estimated that over fifty have made a start, including backsliders reclaimed, the young converted, and quite a good per cent are those who have commenced to keep the Sabbath, but of this number there are several children of Sunday-keeping parents, who meet opposition which we fear will dissuade them from holding on. Our Sabbath congregations number about one hundred and nearly all take part. Our gatherings have been large. Rough and muddy roads and dark nights have not stopped the interest. On some evenings when it seemed presumptuous to expect people to come out, the house would be well filled, some coming miles across the fields, over fences, bringing their children with them. These meetings have been in progress nearly six weeks, and the interest is now better than at any other point.

Last night, three adults made their first start, and bore their testimony in tears. Sunday night congregations have been very large, transient seats have been supplied, and all available space crowded, while loads came, and went away for want of room. The church is commodious, but all regret that it is not larger.

Many items of interest have occurred during the meetings. Quite a number of the young have been accustomed to getting up dances and euchre parties. They are now as much interested in appointing, attending, and taking part in the young people's prayer-meetings at the same place where these parties were held. What a change! One evening, after the meeting was dismissed at the church, we called the attention of the congregation, and announced a prayer-meeting at one of these houses. One young lady of that family threw her arms around her grandfather's neck, and, weeping aloud, exclaimed, “Oh! grandpa, it is a prayer-meeting now instead of a dance.” A sensation followed, and it seemed as though more than a score were in tears, weeping aloud with her. It was no uncommon sight to see friends and relatives after a meeting, clasp each other in their arms, and entreat them, weeping, to seek God. Family altars are now erected, where children with parents pray.

Last Sunday night, the church was very full. After the meeting, we took an expression of the congregation by rising vote, to find out how many were willing to be saved by obeying God's requirements—repenting of their sins, in compliance with the terms of the gospel. About two-thirds of the congregation arose. We then appealed earnestly to those who did not; after our remarks, without further invitation, a man, noted for his opposition to everything of a religious nature, and especially to us as a people, arose and said he felt he was too great a sinner to arise with the rest, and wanted to get up by himself and tell all that he meant to live a different life and try to be saved, to have his sins forgiven, and serve God in the future, and desired the brethren to pray for him. Then followed another, and another, till quite a good many arose. It was a great surprise to all who witnessed it.

Neighbors least expected are taking hold. God has in a wonderful manner shown us that he is a mighty God, and we have to confess with shame that our faith has been too much narrowed down to appreciate his might and goodness. This is a great work, and we all stand amazed and astonished. I have never seen a work seemingly more thorough, such turning to God with weeping and mourning and rending of heart, no excitement, but, at times, a whole congregation in tears, and much weeping aloud. We pray for humility, wisdom, grace, and strength to stand in the full counsel of God.