Meetings in Alfred, N. Y.
By B. F. Robbins
Bro. Smith : I have just returned from the first meeting of our newly organized church which was convened with that part of it residing in the town of Alfred. The church was organized two weeks ago last Sabbath at Willing, and covers quite an extensive territory in Allegany Co., N. Y.; for its members live scattered in the towns of Friendship, Willing, Wellsville, Alfred and Belfast, which were all represented in our meeting last Sabbath in Alfred. Our meeting was a precious one indeeed, and one that will not soon be forgotten by those present. The burden of the preaching and feeling was entire consecration to God, and the attainment of holiness, a clean and pure heart as necessary and indispensable to meet the time of trouble coming upon the earth, and as a preparation for usefulness and the coming of our Master. It was a time of deep searching of heart, and of humbling before God. In the evening meeting the power of the Holy Spirit was evidently present, and quite a number of the church bore testimony to having made the sacrifice of their all upon the holy altar that sanctifies the gift, and by faith to take hold of the promise that "the blood of Jesus cleanseth from all sin." It was a precious time. No undue excitement, but a solemn stillness pervaded the congregation, broken only by the voice of the witnesses, the responses to their testimonies, and the stifled sobs of many overcome with weeping. Our message is a holy one; and a heart obedience to it must produce holiness of heart and life. It cannot be otherwise. Keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, must and will make holy all who obey. I would be glad to see many such testimonies published in the Review as that of sister Steward. Such experiences have a powerful influence to awaken and encourage the dear remnant people of God in these days of peril. Our meetings of the church are appointed monthly in different places. Our next is to be in the Niles Settlement, in the town of Wellsville, second Sabbath in September.