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Sketch of Experience
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dew nor rain. Let a strong man be shut away from labor, and he
becomes feeble. 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.
Sabbath and first day, April 18, 19, we enjoyed a good season
with our people at Greenville. Brethren A and B were with us. My
husband baptized eight. The 25th and 26th we were with the church
in Wright. This dear people are 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
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was no spirit of labor to help them. In fact, the stiff, stern, unfeeling
position of 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 expectations.
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. Brethren G. T. Lay and
S. Rummery gave good testimonies, and were joyfully received by
their brethren. Fourteen were baptized, one of them a man near the
middle age of life, who had felt opposed to the truth. The work
moved on with solemnity, confessions, and much weeping, carrying
all before it. Thus closed the arduous labors of the Conference year.
And still we felt that the good work in Monterey was by no means
finished. We have made arrangements to return and spend several
weeks in Allegan County.
The Conference just past has been a season of deepest interest.
The labors of my husband have been very great during its numerous