REPORT FROM BRO. SNOOK.
By B. F. Snook
I LEFT the meeting at Batavia in the care of Bro. Shortridge, and started home, Sept. 21. The interest and prospects were very good. But the season growing late, and being some distance from home with my family, it was duty to return. I spent the following Sabbath and Sunday with the brethren in Richmond. Preached four times, and baptized three. We had a good, warm-hearted meeting. God was there. His Son was there. The holy Spirit was there, and all together we had a soul-refreshing time. We feasted on the heavenly manna to the joy and rejoicing of our hearts. May God be with these dear brethren and sisters. On Friday, the 8th inst., by request I went to Lisbon to hold meetings with the church over Sabbath and first-day. The meetings on the Sabbath were interesting. All seemed to enjoy the good Spirit which pervaded the meetings. On first-day I preached on the subject of the new birth, after which we repaired to the water, where one sister was buried with her Lord in baptism, and we trust arose to walk in newness of life. We then met for organization. Now came a trying time, in view of which we almost feared and trembled. We began and proceeded according to the conference address. I had studied over the subject as therein presented, but could not appreciate its force till it was tried. We tried to make thorough work, and I believe we succeeded. The church was made one. Our second step was to ordain and set apart the officers, which was a truly solemn season. After this, communion and feet washing were attended to in the good Spirit of Christ. The windows of heaven seemed to be opened, and the blessing of God's Spirit filled the house. We felt that it was none other than the dwelling place of the Most High. I believe the work thus effected is what we need, and is the beginning of better days for us. God has promised that he will return to us if we will return to him. O, brethren, let us return to him with all the heart. I fear that many will be sifted out, but if they are it will be their fault and not ours. The standard must be exalted, and we must come up to it. We must be united in faith, feeling and action, or God will not be with us. May God give us strength to overcome and go through safely, is our prayer. Amen.