Reclaiming the Lost
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blessedness which fills all heaven with rejoicing upon the rescue of
one who has gone astray.
That church or those persons who shut themselves away from
bearing burdens for others, who shut themselves up to themselves, will
soon suffer spiritual feebleness. It is labor that keeps the strong man
strong. And spiritual labor, toil, and burden bearing, is what will give
strength to the church of Christ.
En Route to Battle Creek
Sabbath and first day, April 18 and 19, we enjoyed a good season
with our people at Greenville. Brethren M. E. Cornell and M. G.
Kellogg were with us. My husband baptized eight. The 25th and 26th
we were with the church in Wright. This dear people were ever ready
to welcome us. Here my husband baptized eight.
May 2 we met a large congregation at the house of worship at
Monterey. My husband spoke with clearness and force upon the
parable of the lost sheep. The word was greatly blessed to the people.
Some who had strayed were out of the church, and there was no spirit
of labor to help them. In fact, the stiff, stern, unfeeling position of
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some in the church was calculated to prevent their return, should they
be disposed thus to do. The subject touched the hearts of all, and all
manifested a desire to get right. On first day we spoke three times in
Allegan to good congregations.
Our appointment was out to meet with the church at Battle Creek
the 9th, but we felt that our work in Monterey was but just commenced,
and we therefore decided to return to Monterey, and labor with that
church another week. The good work moved on, exceeding our ex-
pectations. The house was filled, and we never before witnessed such
a work in Monterey in so short a time. First day fifty came forward
for prayers. Brethren felt deeply for the lost sheep, and confessed
their coldness and indifference, and took a good stand. Fourteen were
baptized. The work moved on with solemnity, confessions, and much
weeping, carrying all before it. Thus closed the arduous labors of the
conference year.