p. 44 | WESTERN TOUR by Stephen N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 7, 1878

WESTERN TOUR.

By Stephen N. Haskell

We arrived at Oakland, Wis., Friday evening. Found the friends here from a radius of one hundred miles. The meeting had already commenced, as it began at 10 A. M. From the first there were tokens that the Lord was drawing near, and was willing to bless. The brethren seemed determined to make the most of the opportunity. There was freedom in speaking, and the social meetings were characterized with feeling. All present, both brethren and sisters, manifested an interest in the business matters. The tract work, and the Bible plan of supporting the cause, were critically examined, and never did the plan of systematic benevolence and the added one-third appear more beautiful than it did here, as questions were asked bringing out one point after another.

The time the brethren spent together averaged over nine hours each day. They meant business. Frequently the remark was heard, “I did not think it so late.” I think I never witnessed a more general interest to understand how to go to work and disposition to take hold of the work, than was manifested at this meeting. Nine hundred premiums were found inadequate to supply the missionary workers. About twelve dollars a month were pledged on the installment plan, to be used in finding interested readers. This money is to be used in paying for the SIGNS and TIDENDE, as the Danes, Norwegians, and Americans are all represented in this work.

It was suggested that each one present take a part in re-organizing S. B. that all might, in a practical manner, take to their respective churches the resolutions adopted. The pledge was double that of the previous year. The increase on the part of those present from abroad was about two hundred dollars. Thus the brethren from the different churches carried home with them a live brand from the meeting. When the twelve hundred Sabbath-keepers in Wisconsin come up to the Bible plan of S. B. and added one-third, which we have reason to believe will be done, instead of having $3000 in their S. B. treasury they will have $7000, and over $2300 with which to buy tracts. Not a dissenting voice was heard against paying into the tract society fund a sum equal to one-third the S. B., and the added one-third is universally adopted in this State.

Some of our brethren felt obliged to leave Monday afternoon, and those who did so lost the best meeting of the series. The precious season Monday evening will long be remembered. The meeting continued from 6 till 10 P. M., and some thought they could have remained until break of day. The sweet Spirit of God seemed to set its seal to what had been done, and united hearts more closely in bonds of Christian union. The brethren return to their homes greatly encouraged. We fully believe that God is willing to work for his people as never before, when they take hold of his work with cheerfulness and obedient hearts.

S. N. HASKELL.