A Growing Band in Wisconsin
By Esther M. Billings
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have so often been encouraged and strengthened by hearing from you that I thought perhaps some might like to hear that there was a little band here in Columbia Co. Wis., who are trying to keep all God's commandments and the faith of Jesus. It is about a year since I with my companion commenced trying to keep them all, and we have enjoyed many precious seasons since. God has blessed us abundantly. He has sent his servants to preach the word, and has blessed their labors. Many have embraced the truth in the love of it. Glory be to his name He has not only added to our numbers but we trust to our graces, and many are enabled to rejoice in a free and full salvation and to feel that the blood of Christ even cleanses us from all sin. O this is a glorious state of mind to live in, to be wholly submitted to the will of God, and to be heart and soul in the work of the Lord, but it is the privilege of each believing soul. “Wake up brother, wake up sister,
Seek, O seek this holy state.” And believe that you can attain to it, and you will come off victorious over the world. One year ago there were but five Sabbath-keepers in this region of country, but under the labors of Elders Steward and Welcome and some others whom we feel that God sent in answer to our feeble prayers, there are now over twenty who are walking in all the ordinances of God's house. We meet every Sabbath and we know that God meets with us, for we feel him in our hearts. We are not without persecution but we feel that God is our strength. I think there are many yet who will embrace the truth. We expect Bro. Welcome here again in June. He lives fifty miles from here. He baptized nine when here before. O may God speed the work is my earnest prayer till many are brought into the fold of Christ.
ESTHER M. BILLINGS.
Marcellon, Wis.