p. 86 | WISCONSIN by H. W. Decker

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 16, 1876

WISCONSIN

By H. W. Decker

Jan. 19, I commenced a series of meetings at this place,—Fish Creek. The interest has been remarkably good from the beginning, and such an eagerness to hear I never witnessed. Many times the house was so crowded that I had just room enough to stand. The Lord has wrought mightily for the people. Stout hearts have yielded to the power of truth, and are now rejoicing in it.

Full sixty are keeping the Sabbath, and nearly all of these have subscribed to the covenant. Besides these, the names of about fifty children are enrolled for the Sabbath-school, which is fully organized and in successful operation. Nearly the whole village has turned to the Lord, which includes the lawyer, the merchants, the justice of the peace, and the school-teacher. Bad habits are being laid aside, and all appear willing to accept the whole truth. They are going to build a meeting-house the coming summer.

There has been no opposition of any account. A Methodist preacher has spoken twice in favor of the first day of the week, but it had the opposite effect from what he expected, as it confirmed the people in keeping the seventh day. It was the same old story. I reviewed one discourse; but the people decided that the other was not worth reviewing. Books have been taken freely. There is some interest in this vicinity among the Norwegians. About a dozen have taken their stand in favor of the truth during these meetings. We expect Bro. Olsen here soon to make an effort for others.

My heart is full of gratitude to the Lord for his helping hand. I would give him all the praise, try to walk humbly before him, and at last receive the reward of the faithful.

H. W. DECKER.

Fish Creek, Feb. 26, 1876.