LETTERS by S. C. Welcome

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 9, 1860

LETTERS.

By S. C. Welcome

"Then they that heard the Lord, spoke often one to another."

From Bro. Welcome.

BRO. SMITH: My brother and I have just returned from Marcellon and Ft. Winnebago, where he and Bro. Steward held a series of meetings last winter. The Lord has a little band there of about twenty, who are keeping the commandments of God, and are standing in the liberty of the gospel, and are rejoicing in a full and present salvation. They have had to struggle along through trials and opposition, yet they are strong in the faith, rejoicing in tribulation. Some of them were formerly members of the Baptist church, in good standing, and one a deacon in the church; but when they commenced keeping the Sabbath, they were charged with heresy and were expelled for keeping the commandments of God; but still they obtained letters of recommendation from the church; and the pastor and church unanimously say that they are good Christians. Well might Isaiah say, as he looked down toward the close of time, "Hear the word of the Lord ye that tremble at his word; your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake said, Let the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." Isaiah lxvi, 5.

We met with them some five or six evenings, and on the Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 1st in deacon Wright's neighborhood. We had excellent meetings, and were all blessed and strengthened. Some two or three who had become cold, decided that they would do the will of God. There were but few that came in from other churches on account of prejudice. They stand looking on, expecting to see the little flock fall, not realizing that they are falling themselves, and that vital piety has ceased from among them. Their prejudice has been increased by the imprudent course taken by some professed teachers of the law, claiming the name of Adventists, who have a form of godliness without the power, and whose daily life and conversation is such that they cannot be distinguished from the world except in the desk. Oh that such men would hear the woes pronounced by the prophet against those that run without being sent, or if they are sent, that they might tarry at Jerusalem until they are endowed with power from on high; that when they go out to proclaim the truth they may live it out wherever they go; for I believe if their tongues are touched with a live coal from off God's holy altar, like Isaiah's, that their mouth will not be defiled with tobacco, or with filthy communication; for God speaks through none but clean vessels. I know it is plain language, but it is God's truth, and such things have been a grief to many of God's dear children, and brought a reproach upon his cause in many places.

On Tuesday, Jan. 3d, we commenced a series of meetings in Bro. Hall's neighborhood, some seven miles north of deacon Wright's. There was but little interest manifested at first, but the meetings continued some ten days, the interest increasing daily. Prejudice which was very strong against us at first began to give way, the brethren came up nearly every night from Marcellon and took hold in prayer and exhortation with us. The Lord poured out his Spirit upon us. Sinners were converted, backsliders were reclaimed, and many were led to inquire what they should do to be saved. The last evening we were with them, Jan. 10th, the schoolhouse would not hold the people. We had a melting time. My brother spoke from James v, 16. At the close many testimonies were given, showing what God had done in answer to prayer, and many desired us to pray for them that they might obtain pardon for their sins. On Monday, Jan. 16th, we were obliged to leave for home, but hope the work continues there. I think there were over twenty came out during the meetings, besides many that were awakened. May God help them to embrace the whole truth and live it out. We stopped at Bro. I. Hall's at Ordino, to a prayer-meeting, on our way home. We found the brethren there well engaged, and some appearance of a revival in the place. The call for laborers is great through the country.

Your brother in Christ, S. C. WELCOME. Almond, Wis.