This meeting was held in a grove, where the brethren in the vicinity, and a very few from abroad, assembled on the Sabbath. In the forenoon the subject presented was the Advent movement in the past, as symbolized by the angels of Rev. xiv, 6–8. And we were enabled to see that the word of the Lord had been fulfilled in our disappointments, as well as in our joyful expectations; and that we are still on the track of prophecy.
In the afternoon several spoke of the duty of being separate from the world, and of the importance of being humble, and holy, and living out our holy faith. When these points were touched, the Spirit of God rested down as a witness to the truth presented.
It was stated that merely believing and observing the Sabbath would not save one, and that there was no salvation in the Sabbath alone; but that in the hand of God it was a cleaver to cleave us out from the world, and bring us into the Lord's work-shop, where the whole gospel can be brought to bear upon us, and we be hewed and squared by the faith of Jesus.
It was also remarked that our hope of success as a people is in being humble, and separate from the world. That some greatly err in supposing that argument is all that is needed to convince people that we have the truth, and to bring them to acknowledge it. Gross darkness has settled down upon the earth, minds once enlightened have become beclouded, and the conscience has become so benumbed that the most powerful arguments will fail to bring souls to the truth, unless the Spirit of God moves and powerfully convicts. Then our only hope of success is in living humble and holy, that God's Spirit may rest upon us, so that those who come into our little assemblies may feel and know that we have something more than a mere form of godliness. Many honest souls are starving and perishing for spiritual food. And if the sweet, melting Spirit of Jesus is with us, they will taste its sweetness, and be drawn away from the world to take a stand with those who keep the commandments of God.
The importance of a closer walk with God, and living out our faith by good works, was felt by the brethren and sisters present, and a number bore a good testimony on the point.
First-day morning we had a very profitable meeting at the house of Bro. Miles which will not soon be forgotten by some present. Sweet, Christian fellowship prevailed, and the saints were permitted to enjoy freedom of soul.
We had two meetings in the grove through the day, which were well attended, and by the candid, strict attention was paid to the word preached. Some scoffed; but as the majority were candid, and listened with unusual attention, it did not affect the meeting, or mar the peace of the saints. The falling tear showed that some who came to hear were not without feeling upon the subject presented.
At the close of the meeting in the grove, the brethren assembled at Bro. Miles. There was some difference of opinion relative to the time of the commencement of the Sabbath. Some spoke of the necessity of union in sentiment, that there is no such thing as gospel union without agreement of views. Then the reasons for the commencement of the Sabbath at 6 o'clock, Friday, P. M., were briefly stated. The Spirit of God came down upon us, and the saints wept, or shouted for joy.
We are now at the house of Bro. John Byington, where we have a meeting this afternoon. To-morrow we go on to the meeting at Norfolk.