p. 166 | Report from Bro. Snook by B. F. Snook

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 21, 1863

Report from Bro. Snook.

By B. F. Snook

I AM still trying to do what I can to advance this good cause. I started on my tour to the north part of the State on the 18th of March; but on the 19th a heavy storm began, which threw me back one week behind my arrangements. It was the severest and most tempestuous storm we have had this winter, yet I traveled not less than thirty miles through it. It was hard to endure, but I thought of the many poor soldiers who suffered in it, for a temporal reward, and then thanked God and took courage that I could suffer something for a crown of unfading glory.

I commenced meetings in West Union, Sabbath, Mar. 21. Was happy to find everything moving in order. They had passed through some discouragements, but had not given up. Our meetings began in just the right time to arrest the work of the enemy. We lectured fifteen times to very deeply-interested, though not very large, audiences. Several new ones came out and expressed their determination to go with us to the kingdom. We baptized twenty, and organized a church of twenty-five members.

The baptism was truly a solemn and impressive season. Many tears were shed on the occasion. A number remarked that they never saw so many so happily baptized. Those who were baptized say they feel much stronger than ever; that they could not have believed they should feel so much stronger after discharging that duty.

We left the meeting here and went to Waukon, April 2, though I gave up going three or four times; yet I felt a drawing that way, and could not feel satisfied without going. A good company of brethren and sisters went with me. We arrived late in the night, weary and worn, and received a most hearty reception.

The question was then asked, How long are you going to stay? Till Sunday morning. You can't do any good in that time. O yes, the Lord will work, and all his will can be done in that time. But there were troubles here: the church was divided, and some were in trouble that we feared could not be settled. Oh how my heart was then pained; but the Lord would not suffer me to sink under the crushing weight of such things. We went to meeting Friday at 2 o'clock, and met the whole church. It was impressed upon me that there had been too many burdens for others, and not enough for individual self. There was too much of a disposition on the part of some to say, Well, you have done wrong, and I cannot feel free till you confess it, not realizing that they had given the first offense, and laid the foundation for the wrongs that had been done. We preached one discourse on the necessity of each one attending to his own case—of getting the mote out of his own eye. The Lord came in, and gave the melting Spirit. But the work was not finished till the next day. We gave another discourse on duty to each other, and our responsibility to God. God blessed the word spoken, and it had the desired effect. The confessing spirit came in, and soon the hearts that had been divided ran together like drops of water, in the sweet spirit of Christian love and brotherly kindness. We then went to the water, and six were baptized. We met together in the evening after the Sabbath for communion and feet-washing. This was truly a blessed season. O, it was good to see those who had been at variance get down on their knees, wash each other's feet, and bathe their faces in their tears. I feel like blessing God yet for what my heart felt on that occasion. We soon closed our good meetings, the brethren all saying, Bro. Snook, you have done your duty; God has been with you; we are sorry that we must part; but go on your mission of good. We parted in hope of meeting on the other side of Jordan.

On Sunday we returned to West Union. Preached to a numerous audience, and on Monday preached once more, and baptized three. We met with this dear church again in the evening, and with some there for the last time till we meet on mount Zion. We met for the purpose of receiving the communion. The ordinances were attended to, in the Spirit of Christ. O, what a blessed meeting! It was better felt than described. I almost feel as if I were yet in that good meeting. O, bless the Lord for such truths as make our hearts so much rejoice. It seems to me that after such a shower of the good Spirit at this meeting, it is not possible for any who shared in it to ever think of going back.

We parted from these brethren and sisters with many tears, feeling that many a silent prayer would go up for us on our way. I pray that God may bless these dear children of his, and I believe he will. They were all kind and good to me, and helped me much on my way, for which I am truly grateful. I can truly say to them all, Dear brethren, be faithful to the end, and we shall meet again.

"How sweet the hours did pass away, When we did meet to sing and pray, How loth were we to leave the place Where Jesus showed his smiling face.

"Dear fellow-saints, in Christian ties, Who seek to win the heavenly prize, Fight on! you'll gain that heavenly shore Where parting hands are known no more."

Brethren, do not be impatient of my long report. I know you love to hear of good things, and I have not told you even the half. Let me say that the cause here is onward to victory. These good meetings have strengthened me very much. I feel stronger every meeting I hold. I verily believe that the latter rain is near, and am not sure but even now it is sprinkling. My only desire is to be of service, and do good in this cause, and so to prepare to meet all my brethren in the Lord in that better country to which we are going. Dear brethren, let us prepare for a happy meeting on mount Zion.

B. F. SNOOK.