Chapter 79—Erroneous Ideas of Confession
Dear Brethren and Sisters in-----,
I have heard of the good work that has been going on among you,
and it rejoices my heart. Since coming to Battle Creek my mind has
been much exercised in regard to the church here. During the week
of prayer the Lord wrought for us, and in all our institutions there has
continued to be a steady, well-balanced interest.
Meetings have been held in the college with marked success. There
have been several conversions among the students from the world.
These conversions were the more striking because the individuals had
had no religious experience before coming to the college, and some
of them were determined not to put themselves in the channel of light
by attending the meetings. But they did attend, were convicted by
the Spirit of the Lord, and were soundly converted. They say they
were never so happy in their lives as now. Several have gone home to
spend the holidays. Their parents are not professors of religion, and
their faith will be severely tested. But good letters come back, stating
that they are taking up their new responsibilities and trying to show to
their friends that the new faith they have received has not made them
fanatics or extremists, but well-balanced Christians, better in every
way than before their conversion; that they possess the principles of
pure faith and love to God and their neighbor, and manifest them by
a well-ordered life and a godly conversation. This good work in the
college has been a source of great rejoicing to us all.
We have had morning meetings for the helpers at the sanitarium
for three weeks, at half past five. I have spoken on these occasions
with good results; I have also spoken to the patients several times.
We have had meetings with the workers in the Review office at
noon. Here the Lord is manifestly at work. Men who have professed
the truth for years and yet have never seemed to have any warmth of
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soul have been visited by the Spirit of the Lord, and you should hear
their heartfelt testimonies bearing witness to the precious love of God
in their souls. Some of them say they were never converted before.
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