Meeting at Milton, Wis by J. M. Stephenson; T. M. Stewart

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Dec 26, 1854

Meeting at Milton, Wis.

By J. M. Stephenson; T. M. Stewart

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—We have delayed writing that we might give a more full account of our meetings at Milton. We remained there about four weeks and delivered twenty lectures. Our meetings were generally well attended, much interest manifested, and the best of feelings prevailed from first to last, except a few little interruptions not worthy of notice in this narration.

Most of the meetings were attended by three or four ministers of the Seventh-day Baptist connection. They offered but little public opposition, except in the form of asking questions in writing, which was the order of the meeting. We have adopted this plan at all our meetings to prevent the confusion and disorder consequent upon miscellaneous discussions. It works admirably. It gives the people an opportunity of hearing a connected chain of evidence without being confused by disorderly discussion upon points which have not been fully investigated. Their pastor, Elder V. Hull, promises them a review of our position at his leisure; but we have implicit confidence in the God whom we continually serve, that he will take care of his truth, and not suffer any weapon formed against it to prosper.

We are well convinced that many who heard our lectures are fully convinced of the truthfulness of our position, but they fear the proper time has not yet arrived for them to act. They are ready to say with Felix, when convinced of the truth by Paul's preaching, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. But alas! the convenient season never arrived. We fear that some in this class will be found when our blessed Lord shall return from heaven among the fearful, [Rev. xxi, 8,] of whom it shall be said, "Ye knew your duty but ye did it not." O how bitter must the last plagues be to such persons! How agonizing the pangs of the second death!

"Ye fearful souls fresh courage take, The storm ye so much dread, Is big with mercies and will break In showers on your head."

But blessed be the name of the Lord, there were a few who esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures or honors of this world. They have resolved to serve God let the consequences be what they may; to take up their cross and follow Christ through evil as well as good report. May the Lord in the plenitude of his mercy bless them abundantly, and sanctify their example and influence to the present good, and eternal salvation of many others in that community. May he enable them to hold fast their profession and not let another take their crown. And may he abundantly reward them in the world to come for all the privations and sacrifices they will be called to make in the present world.

On the evening previous to the last we spent with them we had a meeting in Bro. Babcock's upper room. O it was a precious season to us all. While engaged in prayer and all with one accord, the Lord poured out his Holy Spirit upon us, and filled our hearts with joy unspeakable and full of glory. It was a time long to be remembered by all present. That little church agreed before parting to meet together weekly to investigate the Scriptures, and pray with and for one another. Our united prayer to our Heavenly Father is that he may add to their number such as shall be saved.

On the next day Bro. Sunrock was buried with Christ by baptism. May the Lord enable him by the influence of his Spirit to walk in newness of life. On the next day we took our leave on the morning train of cars for Palmyra, where we have spent four days and delivered four lectures. Prospects are encouraging. Our meetings are well attended under the circumstances, there having been other meetings during every evening since we commenced. Three families have about made up their minds to keep the Lord's Sabbath. Others we think will follow their example. Pray for us dear brethren and sisters that the Lord may bless our labors, and preserve us blameless unto the coming of his Son.

For the encouragement of the scattered and persecuted flock of Christ, we would say, "Fear not little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Our confidence, in the truthfulness and speedy triumph of the third angel's message, is unshaken by the efforts which are now being made to divide the church of God, and scatter the influence of the remnant to the four winds. We believe this message to be the work of God. If so, no weapon formed against it shall prosper. Divine goodness inspires, Infinite wisdom guides, Almighty power sustains, and it must and will prevail. "Be patient, therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord." James v, 7.

In patient waiting for the kingdom. J. M. STEPHENSON. T. M. STEWART. Palmyra, Dec. 15th, 1854.