REPORT OF MEETINGS! by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 22, 1857

REPORT OF MEETINGS!

By James White

We had the pleasure of attending the Conference at Caledonia, Mich., Oct. 3d and 4th, appointed by Bro. Frisbie. Brethren came in from Bowne, Grand Rapids, Monterey, &c., so that a large school-house was filled on the Sabbath. In this place are about fifty Sabbath-keepers, who have come out during the last six or eight months under the labors of Bro. J. B. Frisbie. We were happy to meet them, and preach to them the word of the Lord. There was good freedom at this meeting. There was an ear to hear, and we are glad to learn that some others are joining the ranks. Bro. Frisbie has labored faithfully with this people, and we trust they will faithfully help sustain him in his labors. He needs help now in order to be able to leave his good family and labor still in new fields, and must have it. Brethren, know the wants of those who cheerfully labor among you, and leave them not to want and discouragement.

From Caledonia we went to Monterey, where on the evening of the 8th inst. there was a meeting in the school-house near Bro. George Lay's, and an expectation to hear preaching. We went to the house feeling that we had nothing for the people. We told brethren on the way that we could not decide on any subject, and wished them to select. We sung a hymn, and had great freedom in prayer; sung again, but felt perplexed as to duty. In this state of mind, knowing not what to do, we gave liberty to others to use the time, when Mrs. W. arose and spoke with much freedom. The place was filled with the Spirit of the Lord. Some rejoiced, others wept. All felt that the Lord was drawing very near. How sacred the place. Those present will never forget that meeting. When seated, Mrs. W. began to praise the Lord, and continued rising higher and higher in perfect triumph in the Lord, till her voice changed, and the deep, clear shouts of Glory! Hallelujah! thrilled every heart. She was in vision.

Unknown to us there was a poor, discouraged brother present, who had thrown his armor down, in consequence, in part, at least, of neglect by his wealthy brethren, and was returning to strong habits which threatened the happiness of himself and family. A most touching and encouraging message was given for him. By the grace of God he raised his head that very evening, and he and his good wife are again happy in hope. Monterey church will never forget that evening. At least they never should.

Sabbath, the 10th, the place of worship was filled at an early hour, mostly with believers in that vicinity. We presented a most comforting and cheering subject in the forenoon, [Rev. xxii, 17.] but with little liberty. We became satisfied that the condition of that wealthy church called for the plainest testimony in regard to present duty. God's cause suffers in many respects for want of means, and these wants could all be supplied with a very little of the abundance in the hands of his professed people. We venture to say that one fourth of the actual increase of property yearly in the hands of the brethren in this State would more than sustain the cause in this State in all its departments. Yet those who hold this property talk of having all upon the altar for God. Does a sacrifice increase? Nay, a sacrifice consumes. The Lord and good angels are tired, grieved, and disgusted with this talk about a sacrifice on the altar which increases, while the cause of Bible truth in many places lies bleeding for want of means.

In the afternoon the Lord's Supper was partaken by the believing assembly. But while in prayer at the commencement of the meeting, awful solemnity rested down upon the place. Most all wept, several aloud. The scenes of Calvary came vividly up, and we all felt that it was good to weep before the Lord. O what a privilege to fall at the foot of the cross and kiss the very dust. The nature and object of the

precious institution was explained, and the season was a precious one.

Sabbath, the 17th, we spent with the church at Battle Creek, and enjoyed freedom and a blessed season in speaking upon the unity of the church of Christ and perpetuity of the Gifts. We gave it as our opinion that instead of undervaluing what Gifts are manifested among us, it would be better to thank God for what we have, and pray for more. J. W.