Special Appeals in Public Ministry
131
This was a new experience for many, but they did not hesitate. It
seemed that the entire congregation were on their feet, and the best
they could do was to be seated, and all seek the Lord together. Here
was an entire congregation manifesting their determination to put away
sin, and to engage most earnestly in the work of seeking God. After
prayer, one hundred and fifteen testimonies were borne. Many of
these showed a genuine experience in the things of God.—
Historical
Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 173
.
At Christiana [Oslo], Norway
We spent two weeks in Christiana, and labored earnestly for the
church. The Spirit of the Lord moved me to bear a very plain testimony.
At our last meeting especially, I presented before them the necessity of
a thorough change in the character if they would be children of God....
I urged upon them the necessity of deep repentance, confession, and
forsaking of the sins which had shut away the sweet spirit of Christ
from the church. We then called for those to come forward who would
take a decided position on the Lord’s side. Many responded. Some
good confessions were made, and earnest testimonies were borne.—
The Review and Herald, October 19, 1886
.
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Determination Indicated by Standing
A request was made [at Basel, Switzerland] for all who would
from this time make most earnest efforts to reach a higher standard to
arise. All arose. We hope this now will have the effect to win them to
God and to heavenly reflections and make earnest efforts to be all that
God has given them power to be—faithful and true devoted soldiers of
the cross of Christ.—Diary, November 22, 1885.
Backsliders Reclaimed in Basel
In the afternoon of the Sabbath we assembled again for social
meeting. The blessing of the Lord rested upon me as I again addressed
the people for a short time. Every seat was full and extra seats were
brought in. All listened with deep interest.
I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to
come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return
to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity.