Johnson, Vt., Tent Meeting by Frederick Wheeler; Josiah Hart

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Aug 22, 1854

Johnson, Vt., Tent Meeting.

By Frederick Wheeler; Josiah Hart

Our Tent Meeting at Johnson was one of interest and profit. The holy Spirit, in answer to prayer, was bestowed on the brethren at the commencement, and during the entire meeting. All seemed to feel that God was well pleased with the effort of his people to get the light of the third angel's message more fully before the minds of the people. Brethren Holt, Buck and Hutchins were present. On First-day there was a congregation of about 500 who listened with attention to the word spoken. It was a free place to present the truth. A good impression was evidently made on many minds; and we trust that the seed there sown, will, in some, bring forth fruit unto eternal life.

The time has evidently arrived, dear Brethren, that God requires an increasing effort on the part of his children for the spread of the light of present truth. Ah; let us awake to a sense of duty and the responsibility there is resting upon us. Says Jesus, "Ye are the light of the world," and adds, "Let your light so shine that men may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." It is not by our words only, but our works, that we show our interest in that cause we profess to love. God has caused the light of present truth to shine into our hearts, and he holds us responsible in holding up this light in that way that it may exert the greatest influence on those around.

And to those who are anticipating Tent meetings among them, we would say, We are well satisfied that God is well pleased with this effort. But in order to accomplish the greatest amount of good, those who come to labor with the Tent, need the united co-operation of the church. Dear Brethren, get your hearts deeply imbued with the truth. Do not wait until the time of meeting to get revived and harnessed for the work; but enter into the spirit of the work now. Get on the whole armor; and then come up to the meetings (not simply to enjoy a pleasant interview with the brethren, but) prepared to labor for the Lord. Let all your preparations for the meetings, as well as your prayers and exhortations when there, be such as to carry conviction to all, that you believe and feel that the last message of mercy is being given to the inhabitants of earth. Thus laboring, we confidently expect to enjoy the blessing of God, and see the cause of truth move onward. What we do must be done quickly.

FREDERICK WHEELER.

JOSIAH HART.

P. S. We would say to the brethren, that we intend holding one or two Tent meetings in New Hampshire, and three or four in Massachusetts, (if the Lord will,) as soon as suitable arrangements are made. One in Dartmouth or vicinity, one in the vicinity of Springfield, and one in Ashfield, or near there—subject to alteration by the brethren. Will the brethren consult together and fix the location and give us information, that we may fix the time, and give notice through the Review.

F. W.

J. H.