BATTLE CREEK by J. S.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 14, 1876

BATTLE CREEK.

By J. S.

We read many reports from laborers in the great harvest field. As each one of these little companies, scattered here and there, turns to the Lord, the reality of the closing-up work is more permanently fixed in our mind. These omens certainly indicate that the attention of the people is awakened. The fact, too, that twenty thousand people in New England lately assembled to hear the solemn notes of warning in reference to Christ’s speedy return to reward the saints and judge the wicked, is not without significance.

The gospel is being preached, and the common people hear it gladly. It is the very gospel of the kingdom—the good news concerning the earth restored to its primitive, Eden beauty—the gospel that led Peter to leave all and follow his Master, and which induced all the apostles to go forth and preach among the nations of the Old World. It is the very gospel which Jesus said should be preached for a witness in all nations; and then the end should come. Then we are rapidly approaching the end. It is really a solemn thought!

In former days, as the apostles went forth into India, Asia Minor, Africa, and other Roman provinces, they had their work planned. Jerusalem was the head-quarters. It was there they held what would be now termed a General Conference. It was there important church matters were taken for consideration. Once there arose a difficulty about the care of “Grecian widows.” The matter was settled by appointing seven men to look after the temporal affairs of the church. It was concluded that, inasmuch as the work was large at Jerusalem, the decisions would sometimes require more wisdom than would be found in the judgment of one or two men.

As the closing-up work increases in magnitude, all are more and more impressed that Battle Creek has become a kind of Jerusalem for the remnant people. And if this be a fact, all can see that certain regulations must be sustained at the head of the work.

There must be order.
There must be harmony.
There must be watchfulness.
There must be devotion.
There must be faith.

These requirements might be enlarged upon, but we will consider only one at present—watchfulness. As there are many young persons in this city, there are many temptations and snares laid for them. The great enemy knows that if the young are led away, older persons are made an easier prey. Many of the brethren see this, and they feel like watching for their souls, knowing they will have a sad account to give if these dear youth are lost.

We are glad to report that at our last Sabbath meeting there was a good interest manifested.

After the close of the forenoon meeting the congregation assembled on the bank of the Kalamazoo river, where six were buried in baptism. Three of these were members of a family that came here from Pennsylvania, and another was a relative of the same family. These are a remarkable instance of this last harvest work. One was the son of a brother and sister who were formerly Catholics.

Bro. Spicer requested that there be two social meetings in the afternoon, and that one be an inquiry meeting for the benefit of the youth. One hour was occupied by the adults, and during this time there were eighty testimonies borne. At the social meeting for the young, which soon followed, there were about eighty more testimonies borne, and about fifty of these were from young persons. The Spirit of the Lord, his revival Spirit, seemed to be among us. And what was commendable, there was a determination on the part of some to hold on to the victory. And all will realize that devotion and faith must continue to be exercised in order that the result may be a triumphant one.

It is our privilege to hold the fort. In the name of the Lord we go on, expecting nothing else than a glorious success. Let all our brethren scattered abroad pray for the prosperity of the work at Battle Creek. J. S.