TENT MEETINGS IN LAPEER, MICH.
By M. E. Cornell
THE circumstances which attended the commencement of meetings in this place were somewhat discouraging. But as the meeting has progressed, the congregations have steadily increased in numbers, and the interest to hear on the present truth does not in the least abate. The idle shepherds have aroused enough to cry, Wolf! Wolf!! and earnestly exhort their sheep to keep away from the tent; but their unwonted zeal has only served to awaken the curiosity of the people who are anxious to learn what can have so much disturbed their ministers: consequently they rush out en masse to hear for themselves, and as they listen to plain, common sense expositions of the Scriptures, they are convinced of the truth. A spirit of inquiry has been awakened, and the people are generally searching the Scriptures to see whether these things are so. They can no longer rest satisfied with the mere assertions of their ministers. Many have listened to the teachers of the place as they have attempted to put down the truth and those who taught it, with calumny and bitter sarcasm, and they are not only dissatisfied with their foolish arguments, but actually disgusted with their want of candor and christian courtesy. We confidently expect a goodly number will unite to exalt the standard of truth in this place. We have been reminded since coming here, of the opposition to, and ultimate triumph of the truth in Gilboa, Ohio. It has been very similar here, and we look for like results. We are much encouraged as we witness the power of present truth, and see how error vanishes before the clear shining light of God's word. The truth is plain and easily defended, and it is well it is so; for all the talent and learning of men is brought to bear against it. Some have expressed their surprise that the Lord's servants could be so calm and patient under such irritating circumstances; being abused and slandered by professed fellow-servants; but we reply in the words of the Psalmist, 'Great peace have they that117love thy law, and nothing shall offend them.' Surely those who are conscious of being on the side of truth can afford to be calm and patient, while pure truth itself bears away the victory. As we have witnessed the anxiety of the people to hear the truth, as they have come in, in this busy season of the year, from four to six miles, and often through the storm, to return in the darkness and rain, we have been reminded of the time spoken of by the prophet, "Not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water; but of hearing the words of the Lord." Many seem to feast upon the truth as it is spoken with energy and love by the servants of God, and we believe it will prove a savor of life unto life to many here. Thirty-nine have already subscribed for the Review (most of them for three months to investigate) and several have come out decidedly on the Sabbath. At the last meeting twenty manifested their determination to keep the Sabbath, by rising up, and we have just heard that in the country, a class-leader, with his entire class, has come out on the Sabbath. We have daily prayer-meetings in the tent, where we get blessed, and the Lord's servants are strengthened and encouraged. We do not feel satisfied with the theory only, but long for the power of the truth and victory. Baptism is to be administered next First-day. The Lord is good, and may he speed on the last message, is our prayer. We desire to be remembered by all who have faith.
M. E. CORNELL.
Lapeer, Mich., Aug. 11th, 1858.