Communication from Brn. Stephenson & Hall by J. M. Stephenson; D. P. Hall

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · May 16, 1854

Communication from Brn. Stephenson & Hall.

By J. M. Stephenson; D. P. Hall

LABORS IN THE WEST.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—According to promise, we send you a brief epitome of our journeyings and labors during six weeks of absence from our homes. We left our families the 8th day of February, and reached the place of our first appointment, (Aztalan, Jefferson Co., Wisconsin,) on the 10th of the same month. Having held a conference at this place about two months previous, they were anxiously expecting our return and desirous of a continuation of our labors. We commenced meetings on the evening of the Sabbath (Bible time) and continued them until the evening of the 15th. The Baptist church in this place gave us the use of their meeting-house during the conference, and also during the first two meetings of this second visit; but at this point of the investigation, the leaders in their church becoming fully satisfied that the influence of our meetings was not calculated to advance the interests of their peculiar sect, entered such bitter complaints about being exposed in their own house &c., that the congregation almost unanimously voted themselves and us into a large and commodious school-house where we finished our meetings, having preached seven times. Our congregations from first to last, were large and attentive, and as far as we could judge much good was done. A number embraced the truth and three repenting believers, were buried with Christ in baptism. Their anxiety for more meetings led us to promise them another visit on our return homeward.

We next visited Koskonong; a place about 12 miles distant. Here we found a little band keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, patiently waiting for the Kingdom. Their faith is firm in the promises of God, especially the blessed promise, that, 'if any among you are sick let them call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins they shall be forgiven him.' While at this place we witnessed two instances of the fulfillment of this soul-cheering promise. Here we met dear Brn. Phelps and Stewart, who had just returned from a tour in Northern Wisconsin. They brought good news from that part of the vineyard: their labors having been blest. We spent the Sabbath with them: had a refreshing season.

The Brn. at Koskonong were anxious we should hold a series of meetings at Ft. Atkinson, a place about 5 miles distant where they had not heard the message. We gave them six lectures with a promise to continue them on our return. Our meetings were well attended, not by the members of the various sects, however, but by the most intelligent and independent part of the community. Some eighteen evinced their interest in the truths set forth, by requesting the Review for the purpose of further investigation.

From this place we journeyed a distance of sixty miles to Tyler in Illinois, where there are a number of Adventists who are interested in the teachings of the Harbinger, but who were willing however to hear our message. We visited among them from house to house and lectured seven times. The result, as far as we could see, was good. A number confessed the reasonableness of our position, and these decided to commence keeping all God's commandments at once. From the feeling manifested during our stay among them, we can see no good reason why others should not very soon decide to believe in the message of the third angel. While at this place we learned that Bro. Bates was laboring in the Northern part of Illinois, and the roads being almost impassable

we concluded to turn our course homeward. You will see from the list of names sent you that a number were from this place. Picatonica P. O., Winnebago Co., Illinois. At the close of our meetings here we were especially requested by one who had listened to two lectures, to visit Twin Grove, a settlement 15 miles distant. We commenced our meetings March 1st, and continued them until the 7th, having preached ten times to large and attentive congregations.

An effort is being made in this region by some of the leading members and ministers of the Disciple, Christian and Baptist denominations, to throw away their creeds and unite upon the Bible. An auxiliary meeting for the promotion of this design had just closed when our appointment was announced. One of the Disciple ministers was present at the first appointment, and found some fault with the positions taken. The next day he set out in pursuit of his Colleague, and returned with him, purposing, as we concluded, and as their conduct afterwards proved, to do all in their power to stop the heresy and save the people from its contaminating influence. The people in the immediate neighborhood where the meeting was held, were pretty well agreed in the end that their great zeal at this particular time, was for the dear union upon Disciple principles; a union which any sect in christendom would be pleased with. We learned that some 450 dollars had already been subscribed for their support for the coming year.

The community, by their conduct, declared in language which these proclaimers understood, that they were not their conscience-keepers, but that it was their privilege to hear and understand for themselves as to this heresy. They first tried public opposition: not succeeding in this, they tried to divide the congregation by making an appointment about 2½ miles distant; but all to no purpose; for the people would hear in spite of all they could do. We were much cheered with the results of our meetings at Twin Grove. There was a general interest created throughout the entire community, and a number resolved to give the message a thorough investigation. The paper was desired by several to aid in this work. The people in this community well deserve the name of Noble Bereans: they search the Scriptures daily, whether these things are so.

Our next appointment was at Whitewater, Walworth Co., Wis., distant sixty miles. The traveling was so bad that we consumed nearly three days in reaching the place of our destination. Our meeting commenced on the evening of March 10th. We occupied the Baptist church during the first two evenings and the forenoon and afternoon of First day; but it was given with so much reluctance that we preferred occupying the school-house. Our congregations were large and attentive. Many members of the Baptist church attended, and appeared to be much interested. Many of the most intelligent men and women in the place were present, and much good was undoubtedly done. A number of them subscribed for the Review to aid them in investigating our position. We delivered eight lectures at this place.

Our next appointment was at Aztalan. Meetings commenced on the evening of the Sabbath, evening after Sixth-day, and ended First-day evening about midnight. First-day, after the meeting in the forenoon, three put on Christ by baptism. About eleven o'clock the same night, by the light of lanterns, five others followed in the same ordinance; one, aged ninety years, whose step was as elastic as though in the vigor of youth. We could not refrain from rejoicing even aloud at this sight. Our minds were carried forward to the time when the lame man shall leap as an hart. Our meetings at Aztalan, from first to last have been deeply interesting. The positions we took with reference to the Sabbath, were canvassed, in our absence, by the Disciple, Baptist and Episcopal Methodist ministers. The result was decidedly advantageous to the cause of truth. The people in this community, also, like the Noble Bereans, search the Scriptures daily whether these things are so, and the result is, that many of them have already believed. There are now at this place, a large band of Sabbath-keepers firm in the faith of the third angel's message, looking for the coming of Jesus and his Kingdom. We left this place for home which we reached in time to attend the conference appointed by Brn. Waggoner and Cornell. We will not speak of this meeting as Bro. Cornell has already noticed it in the Review.

We feel grateful to God for his protection and good providence during our tour; feel more engaged and zealous than ever; more thoroughly convinced of the truth and importance of our position in giving the message of the third angel. In conclusion allow us to exhort all who embrace this glorious message to be sober and watch unto prayer. Present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service. Show your love to God, by keeping his commandments and the faith of his Son. Wait patiently for his Son from Heaven, and soon all such shall receive the great reward.

Yours in hope of the Kingdom. J. M. STEPHENSON. D. P. HALL. Rosendale, Wis., Apr. 12th, 1854.