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REPORT OF MEETINGS

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 1, 1858

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 11, No. 20.

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REPORT OF MEETINGS.

By A. S. HUTCHINS

BRO. SMITH: For some weeks past, our meetings with the different churches have been very interesting and encouraging. I think the brethren and sisters have a mind to work for the Lord. They seem to realize at least in some measure, that we have but a few moments left to labor for perishing souls, that the gospel day is just gone. O, that we may all realize these solemn and startling facts as we should!
February 13th and 14th, we were at Burr Oak. On the Sabbath, several brethren and sisters from Colon were with us. We enjoyed freedom while speaking of the blessed hope, and in presenting the purifying and saving truths of the gospel. And the warm, spirited exhortations poured forth from the hearts of those striving for eternal life, added greatly to the interest of the meeting.
The evening following the Sabbath we held a meeting at the school-house, and also on First-day. But few attended these meetings, and there was evidently but little interest to hear the evidences of our position. From what we heard, the community generally in that section were floating upon the tide of Universalism, Spiritualism and so-called reformations. And it is said that some claim that the temporal millennium has begun there. May the Lord save the few honest lovers of truth in this place, and they be brought to share in the reward of the righteous, when the King of glory shall come.
From this place we went to Colon, where we spent nine days with the church. With the blessing of the Lord, I had strength to preach six times while here, besides attending prayer meetings. About twenty are keeping the Bible Sabbath here, all of whom commenced since the tent was pitched there last season. Several of the brethren and sisters were members of the Baptist church, when the message of the Third Angel reached them. Brother and sister Shellhous had been connected with that denomination about fifty years. And as it was difficult for the Baptists to find any occasion against this brother and sister, except as in the case of Daniel. [Dan. vi, 6.] It be found concerning the law of their God, brother S. proposed to the church that it should be recorded upon their church-book, that fellowship was withdrawn from father Shellhous, for keeping the commandments of God. We call to mind our visit and meetings with this church with lively satisfaction. One more sister, while there, resolved to leave the Baptists, and go with the commandment-keepers. In our last meeting we followed the example of our perfect Pattern, John xiii, after which we partook of the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of the adorable Redeemer.
From here we went to Burlington, where we found about twenty trying to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Here we met several brethren from a distance, some for the first time. Our meetings on the Sabbath were spiritual and refreshing. We remained here five days and had five meetings. While here, the ordinances of the Lord's house were attended to for the first time in this church. We were happy to find our brethren and sisters so well united in this place, and pressing forward to Mt. Zion. Brother Phillips joined us at Burr Oak, and continued with us, aiding us by his prayers and exhortations till the close of the meetings on the Sabbath.
On visiting and conversing with the brethren and sisters in these churches, who have been in the message of the Third Angel but a few months, we were rejoiced to find them so strong in the truth, and striving to overcome. They have gained victories that some who have been in the truth much longer, are strangers to. Fathers and mothers of grey hairs laid aside that unclean and filthy weed, tobacco. They feel that its use is needless and sinful. How could they regard it otherwise?
One sister who had indulged in its use many years, was prevented from attending the good conference at Battle Creek last Fall, thinking she could not be deprived of her pipe long enough to go, and of course she would not carry it with her. But she is now hoping to have a chance to meet with God's people in conference, as she is living in the enjoyment of a good, clean and sweet victory over its use. We pity some young men, who have not yet found strength of purpose to free themselves from this sinful and disagreeable habit.
Can such receive this portion of John's letter as addressed to them? "I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one." 1 John ii, 14. Inasmuch as God requires his people to possess holy hearts, and to be pure and lovely in their practices and habits, "dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor. vii, 1. "To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne." Rev. iii, 21.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Allegan, Mich., March 16th, 1858.