p. 205 | CONFERENCE IN WIS by T. M. Steward

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 17, 1860

CONFERENCE IN WIS.

By T. M. Steward

BRO. SMITH: Our second Conference in Wisconsin has closed, and I think it may well be called a refreshing from the Lord. There were present of preachers, Brn. Ingraham, Phelps, Sanborn, Allen and myself. We met according to appointment but were much disappointed in not seeing Bro. and Sister White with us. But this disappointment was counteracted by the great Shepherd of the sheep, who had compassion on us and in our need met with and abundantly blessed us. Praise His holy name. The service commenced on Sabbath eve., and continued until evening after first-day. At first some dark clouds were visible and distracting influences were to be seen; but light from the heavenly Sanctuary soon dispersed the darkness, so that love and union seemed to prevail among us. O how sweet to have that blessed Spirit of Christ pervading our assemblies. I think that truly the third angel's message will receive a new impetus from this gathering of God's saints.

How evident, when we see them flocking together from all directions with anxious hearts and tearful eyes to see and encourage one another, that God has sent and is sending his angels before us to prepare the hearts of the people to receive the loud cry of the third angel's message. My prayer is, speed on, O Lord, the message with mighty power, until it shall have accomplished the thing whereunto thou has sent it; when thy watchmen shall see eye to eye and thy servants shall be sealed with the seal of the living God, and thy saints be found without fault before thy Throne, and thy church spotless and pure, perfectly prepared for the coming of Christ. O that the time may soon come when the church shall take the high standard of holiness erected by our Saviour, that they may have a saving influence upon this ungodly world. We had six discourses and two social meetings and a business meeting.

On the last evening we had a conference meeting, and of a truth the Lord was with us in a powerful manner

by His Spirit. Ninety bore testimony for the Lord.

After the afternoon services on first-day, four were buried with Christ in baptism to walk in newness of life. May the good Shepherd lead them safely through all their trials to certain victory. I am happy to say that sweet union prevailed to that degree that even our enemies were constrained to acknowledge it; and some felt that they had found what they had long been looking for, a people united in the bonds of peace and love; and they expressed their determination to go with us to mount Zion. We truly felt that we were all children of one family.

It was sad to part with those we love so well. But dear Brn. and sisters let us be faithful; and may the Lord hasten the time when we shall all be gathered home to our father's kingdom to enjoy those blessed mansions our dear Savior has gone to prepare for us. Amen.

"How long dear Savior, O how long Shall that bright hour delay? Fly swifter round, ye wheels of time, And bring the welcome day."

I can say of a truth it was the best conference I ever attended.

Mackford. T. M. STEWARD.

P. S. Our business meeting was called to order about 9 o'clock A. M. on first-day and opened by prayer by Bro. Ingraham. After preliminaries the following resolutions were adopted (being the same that were adopted by the other conference South):

1. Resolved, That the old Wis. and Ill. tent be sent to Minnesota the coming season.

2. That we buy a new tent for Wis. and northern Ill., provided it can be manned.

3. That we give pledges for the tent to be paid by the 20th of May next.

Then our list was opened and $82.25 was pledged at this meeting.

Will Bro. White give us the common sizes of tents with their respective prices. If Bro. Andrews or Waggoner or Loughborough or any other Bro. can come and labor with me in the tent I would like to know soon. Will some one write to me. Direct to Mauston, Juneau Co., Wis. T. M. STEWARD.