Meetings in Indiana by Joseph Bates

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 11, 1858

Meetings in Indiana.

By Joseph Bates

BRO. SMITH: The way was open for four lectures only on Stillwill Prairie, (refered to in Review No. 11.) One brother, a professed Advent believer, regretted that the way was not open for more meetings at that time. He said that himself and wife were persuaded that the seventh day was the Sabbath of the Bible. Another family has sent for the Review.

On returning to La Porte another hall was opened for our meetings on Main street, which we have occupied on Sabbath and First-day, and every evening through the week. The Congregationalists, Baptists, and Methodists have been, and are, tightening their cords by holding revival meetings, and thus keeping their members from hearing on the subject of the coming of the Lord, and the Sabbath of the Lord our God. Poor souls! they have some kind of an idea that their position is right, notwithstanding they differ so widely one from the other, utterly regardless of the sudden change, and the dreadful state they are so soon to occupy, according to the declaration of Jeremiah the prophet. Chap. xxv, 34-37.

Some come to hear and are believing the whole truth, while those who have believed are being strengthened in the Lord. We believe the Lord is lending a helping hand. Thanks to his holy name, Last First-day we baptized five more believers in Christ, and still the work is moving on.

J. BATES.

La Porte, Ind., Jan. 29th, 1858.

P. S. The reformation moves on slowly, but surely. Yesterday (First-day) five more were buried in baptism, and still there are half a score more who say they believe, but are held back from following their Lord and Master by unholy influences. Part of them are keeping the Sabbath with the church. Last evening we closed our public meetings, and retired to a private house to partake of the Lord’s supper, and had a heavenly place in Christ Jesus. Americans, Germans and Swedes, all united and rejoicing in the Lord! Thus the remnant are closing in together from the mingled nations, to meet their coming Lord, and receive the pure language to praise and serve him with one consent. In a few hours I expect to leave here for Bigelow’s Mills, to attend to the call of Bro. Scarborough, of Aug. 20th, 1857. See Review. My appointments are out to commence meetings there tomorrow evening, the 2d inst.

J. B.

Feb. 1st.