L E T T E R S | AdventAI

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 17, 1863

L E T T E R S .

"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."

From Bro. Baker.

Bro. White: We have closed our meetings at Mendon, Mercer Co. O., for the present, with no other success perhaps, than a good impression made, and some good seed sown.

The elements seemed combined against us. When the prospect seemed brightest, the river, which flows near the village, arose, overflowing part of the road, rendering it difficult to pass it; which prevented many from coming; and among them some who appeared the most interested, candid, and thinking. When the river had fallen, a rival movement was raised in the shape of a protracted meeting, not far off from the village. This drew off our congregation to such a degree, as to make it appear best, to defer further effort, until circumstances might be more favorable, particularly settled weather.

I am now at home. When out in the field, I keenly felt the necessity, and the lack of that pure devotion and consecration to God, which would render my labors most efficient; and contribute to my salvation, while I pointed out the way to others. O for that travail of soul for sinners, which should breathe itself out in earnest pleadings for them to turn and not die, and beseech them in "Christ's stead, to be reconciled to God."

We mourn over our carelessness and lukewarmness; and therefore have instituted a series of meetings among ourselves here, resolving by the grace of God, to get out of this state, and heed the Laodicean Message.

We are indeed on enchanted ground. Oh the dangers of indifference! In view of the solemn scenes about to burst upon us "what manner of persons ought we to be, in all holy conversation and godliness."

Lord help us to "awake, and repent," lest the fate be ours to be spued out; and we be left among those, who shall call upon the rocks and mountains, to fall on them and hide them from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.

H. F. Baker. Leipsic, O.