p. 140 | INTERESTING MEETINGS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 23, 1879

INTERESTING MEETINGS.

Sister White addressed a large congregation in the Tabernacle, Sabbath forenoon, Oct. 18, from John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

She showed the difference between the peace which Christ gives, and the false and dangerous peace which springs from a feeling of carnal security. The peace which the world gives,—fitful, unreliable, disappointing,—was presented in its true colors; also the peace which it is the privilege of the Christian to enjoy,—never-failing, undisturbed by surrounding circumstances, because drawn from Christ, the inexhaustible source and the living fountain, who lives and reigns in the heavens, high over all.

It was also shown how we cut ourselves off from the peace of Christ by not trusting in him, and willingly and cheerfully taking his yoke upon us. The theme was a fruitful one, and the discourse replete with instruction and admonition.

In the afternoon Bro. White spoke on the subject of “Holding the Fort,” after the spirited hymn, “Hold the Fort,” had been appropriately sung by the congregation. Applying the subject to our present situation in Battle Creek, he showed the responsibility resting upon all who locate here to stand by the cause in all its departments and be true to the right. From the standpoint of the truth, this is a holy and sacred place, something like Sinai, when God was about to proclaim his law, and the word went forth to sanctify the mount and sanctify the people. So now the great truth respecting a reform in this law, and the preparation for the coming of Christ from Heaven is going forth from this place, and those who engage in this work should be a zealous, devoted, holy people.

His subject led him to take a historical review of the work in this place, tracing it up step by step from its small beginning to its present magnitude, speaking of the spirit in which the work has been performed, and looking over to the infinite reward which awaits those who shall be faithful to the end. His feelings kindled with this glorious theme till he was unable to give utterance to them in words. A deep impression was made upon the congregation. It was good to be there.

Immediately after the service, Bro. W. baptized three in the Kalamazoo River, two uniting with the church here, and one with the church in Jackson, Mich.

In the evening a meeting was held to make further preparation for the Institute and General Conference. Thus closed another good Sabbath for the church in Battle Creek.