What They Say | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 16, 1879

What They Say.

The secretary of the little company at Garden Grove, Iowa, sends a report of their meetings on each of the four Sabbaths in December. On Dec. 7, 1878, this company met for the first time for the purpose of celebrating the Sabbath of the Lord. It is pleasant to read the record of a company thus newly born into the faith. They report good meetings, and we believe the power of God is with them. They tell us that several of them take the REVIEW, and like it very much. We hope it may aid them in the divine life.

Renewing her subscription on the REVIEW, Sister Eliza Poling says: “I like the paper very much. I cannot do without it. We read it, lend it to two or three families, and then send it away to some one.” She has first-day Adventist neighbors, who read the papers and like them, but will not acknowledge the truth. We are glad to know that the REVIEW is read and appreciated, and hope the seed sown may bear abundant fruit.

A correspondent from Mackinaw, Ill., sends us a report of the following excellent remarks made by a sister at their meeting on New Year’s day:—

“In looking over Old and New Testament history, I find that the advantages and benefits derived from the observance of fasting and prayer are not imaginary, but genuine and true. Its inmost meaning signifies a mighty calling unto God, deep and earnest contrition, and a new consecration of all we have and are to the service of God. How needful, then, for our spiritual advancement, and for the furtherance of the last testing message of truth which God designs to give to the children of men, that this day of fasting and prayer, proclaimed by those whom God has seen fit to make the heralds of his truth, be observed with the spirit and the understanding. How much at this present time we need a wonderful manifestation of the power of God; how much we need the presence of his guiding and directing hand in all the affairs of life. Then let us pray that the gifts of his Spirit may not be diminished, but increased; and while we are truly thankful for the gift of prophecy which he has graciously bestowed upon us, let us earnestly pray that we may not be doubtful, but believing; and that we despise not prophesying, or the words of admonition which fall from the lips of those invested with this charge.”

“God is unchangeable and without shadow of turning; then let us, with the confidence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, the reliance of Ezra, the trust of Queen Esther, and the earnestness of Daniel, remember the great cause for which we are convened together. Oh, may his houses not be left desolate! May the hearts of believers be roused from their lukewarmness, and may God in the beginning of this new year baptize us with the spirit of labor and of sacrifice, and may we as a people be blessed and prospered according to our consecration to God.”

At the business meeting held the same day the sum of $20.20 was pledged to the houses of worship at Oakland, Cal., and Battle Creek, Mich.,—$15.20 to the Oakland house and $5.00 to the Tabernacle at Battle Creek. Two little boys, sons of Bro. and Sr. Wordel, gave their Christmas presents, ten cents each, to the Oakland house.

A note from Bro. Jesse Dorcas states that in a debate recently held at Olin, Iowa, “Bro. Morrison handled his opponent admirably, and the word of God was ably vindicated. All the lovers of truth have reason to thank God and take courage.”

Bro. J. L. Cupit, in a report which is too lengthy for publication, gives some interesting particulars of the little class at Westphalia, Mich. This company was brought into the truth by the labors of Bro. Frisbie and Lewis. They have encountered much opposition, and have fought many determined battles with the Roman Catholics on one hand and the world on the other; yet, by the grace of God, they have been enabled to “hold the fort.” They recently listened to an opposition sermon by an eloquent and highly educated minister from Delta. He failed, and his failure was a great victory for this little company.