INCREASING INTEREST

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 6, 1879

INCREASING INTEREST.

THE efforts to bring the church in Battle Creek into a better spiritual condition disclosed the fact that there was much to be done, and that special labor to a great extent would be necessary. Therefore, the time during the past week has been divided between public meetings, district meetings, and family visiting.

The ministers present have cheerfully taken hold of the work, and are rendering efficient service. Brother and Sister White are laboring in their usual earnest and untiring manner for the good of this people.

The church are beginning to realize the situation, and to feel that this is a golden opportunity for them, and to take hold to make the best improvement of it. The interest is increasing.

Sabbath, Nov. 1, was a day long to be remembered. In the evening commencing the Sabbath, Sister White addressed a large congregation in the Tabernacle. She spoke again Sabbath forenoon on 2 Pet. 1:1–11, and again in the afternoon on Mark 12:28–34. She enjoyed wonderful freedom; and if ever words were spoken in “demonstration of the Spirit and of power,” her words seemed to be, on these occasions. Seldom, if ever, has it been our privilege to listen to truths so clearly and forcibly presented. Duties and dangers were plainly pointed out; but with these were also set forth the Christian’s blessed privileges, the abundant help he may, if he will, receive, and the infinite reward of the overcomer. A deep impression was made upon the congregation, and we believe every one felt the force of the words that “we cannot afford to make a failure in this work, and lose eternal life at last.”

A portion of the afternoon, and nearly all the evening, were occupied in social meetings. There was promptness in speaking, several, at times, being on their feet at once. And some on whom special labor had been bestowed, or in whom special interest centered, bore testimonies which were cheering indeed. It seemed that the clouds were breaking, and that light and liberty would soon be enjoyed in great abundance. What the church has already received of blessing not only makes them long for more, but begets the cheering hope that more may be obtained.