Meetings in Wisconsin by T. M. Steward

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 25, 1865

Meetings in Wisconsin.

By T. M. Steward

Bro. White: I think, from what I have seen for two or three months past, that the cause of the third angel's message is rising in the State of Wisconsin; and I feel that the visit of yourself, and sister White, and Bro. Loughborough, was timely, and I hope it will prove a blessing to us. I believe it is time to draw the line, so we can distinguish between the servants of God and those who are running at random.

I came here to fill Bro. Sanborn's appointments. The friends here, when they got ready for the first meeting found the meeting-house closed against us. But Bro. Tenny, the Methodist class leader, kindly opened his house for our meetings. His wife was a Sabbath-keeper. This disappointment was against us; for some did not understand the cause of it, and were afraid to come. Then they reported that I believed in free-love-ism, and did not know to the contrary until I preached on Spiritualism. But while the Devil was at work, I was preaching, praying, and talking, and by the blessing of God, out of a congregation of ten to twenty, I leave eight or nine keeping the Lord's Sabbath, and others interested. Two were keeping the Sabbath when I came. Now Bro. Tenny has embraced the Sabbath, and will take charge of the meetings. There are some good honest souls here that (I trust) will lose their prejudice, as others have done, and embrace the truth. I have been here three weeks, and preached thirty-four times; and now I leave to look after the scattered sheep in other places.

As the Lord has heard our prayers, and the way is open for the message to move forward, I hope we shall be zealous and repent, that we may engage with fresh courage in the service of our Master. I feel like renewing my covenant with the Lord. Pray for me.

In hope. T. M. Steward.