TENT MEETINGS IN MOSCOW, MICH by J. H. Waggoner; M. E. Cornell

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 31, 1856

TENT MEETINGS IN MOSCOW, MICH.

By J. H. Waggoner; M. E. Cornell

WE held meetings in the Tent at Moscow, Hillsdale Co., over three Sabbaths. It was deemed impracticable to hold meetings through the week, as those most interested lived too far from the Tent to attend except on Sabbaths and First-days. We delivered eighteen public lectures. The attendance was good, but on account of the friends of truth living so far apart they were not able to meet with us in social meetings, as much as we desired, therefore, we were not able to see the immediate fruits of our labors as we have seen in other places; yet we consider it one of the most important we have held. From the circumstance of the friends being so scattered, the influence of the meeting has extended in almost every direction for some miles. Between 20 and 30 that we know, have fully decided to walk in the light of Present Truth; many others are deeply interested and convinced of sin. Very many are fully tested on the Message, and influences have been counteracted which have hitherto tended to keep some from investigating. A great many have had the idea that all calling themselves Adventists were merely nominal Christians, having only a theory of Bible truth, without any of the Spirit and power of godliness; and their prejudice was greatly disarmed when they discovered that we believed in the power of God's holy Spirit, and were earnest in calling upon them to repent, and obey from the heart the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We found two families of Seventh-day Baptists who moved into this State some twenty years ago, and being deprived of the privilege of meetings on the Sabbath, had, to a great extent, lost sight of the precious truths of God's law; but on hearing the law and the prophets expounded they took new courage, and are now fully established in the truth of the Third Angel's Message. Also, there were a number of Adventists in the vicinity, and most of them have decided in favor of God's holy Sabbath.

We appointed a meeting in the Tent for Second-day morning, 14th, for the benefit of those interested, and for some who desired baptism; but on account of an approaching storm of rain we took down the Tent in the morning. We were kindly invited to occupy a neighboring house, and while the much needed rain was descending upon the earth, we truly felt that "refreshing showers of grace divine," descended

upon the saints in that house. It was a heart-searching and melting time; sweet testimonies were given for the truth. We then repaired to the water, and five were baptized; others are now fully convinced of duty in this respect, and expect to be baptized soon.

If circumstances are favorable we expect to hold our next meeting in the village of Hillsdale.

J. H. WAGGONER. M. E. CORNELL.