p. 39 | The Cause in Gratiot Co., Mich

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 2, 1866

The Cause in Gratiot Co., Mich.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

WEDNESDAY and Thursday, Nov. 29 and 30, we met with the church at Greenbush. Unexpectedly Bro. Lawrence came in with me. The little company of believers here are all firm in the truth, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. We had a very pleasant and profitable time with them.

Dec. 2 and 3, we met with the church at Ithaca. They are building a meeting-house, which, however, was not quite finished. I believe that it is 36x52. It is a plain, but good, substantial house. It will cost them about $1,700 when finished. It is the first meeting-house ever built in the county. The brethren have manifested much commendable zeal in erecting this house. They greatly desired that Bro. White should dedicate it; but of course this is not expected now. The people still manifest a good interest to hear the truth. Our meeting with this church was a very pleasant one to us, and we think a profitable one to them. They were encouraged by having two more start to serve the Lord. One was received into the church by letter. There are many strong, working members in this church. May God bless and increase them.

Dec. 9-13 we were with the church at Alma. This church was founded under very discouraging circumstances; but contrary to all our expectations, it has steadily grown in piety, zeal, and numbers, till it now carries the leading influence in the place. Sabbath is quite a quiet day in the little village of Alma, while Sunday is a thoroughly business day. We have had some good meetings here, long to be remembered. The Brn. and sisters express a mind to take hold with renewed energy, while several made a start for the first time to serve the Lord. Dec. 13, six were baptized. These, with ten more who are keeping the Sabbath, making sixteen in all, were received into the church. This was an encouraging day for the church at Alma.

Systematic Benevolence was re-organized for 1866 to the amount of $390. Probably this will be raised to about $400, by Brn. who were not then present. We think that the Brn. and sisters have done liberally. May God bless them in proportion. They also propose to build a good meeting-house next summer.

This is a new and rapidly growing county. It has a rich soil, heavy timber, and is well watered. Brn. Gargett and Hulbert are the most thorough, extensive, and enterprising business men in the county. Here is a good place for our Brn. who wish to go into business of any kind. Good shoe-makers, carpenters, black-smiths, harness-makers, cabinet-makers, &c., &c., will find a welcome reception here by the Brn., with a good opportunity to prosecute their several vocations. But idle, lazy, shiftless, and disorderly Sabbath-keepers are not wanted. For further information address James Gargett, Alma, Gratiot Co., Mich.

Dec. 16 and 17, we were with the church at Seville. Here the enemy was at work. With soft and flattering words he had sought to draw the Brn. from the truth. Most stood firm, but three or four were nearly caught in the snare of the Devil. For this we were much grieved. But by again listening to the evidences of our faith, they were most, if not all of them, firmly established in the present truth. Said one good old sister, "In the future, if I live, I shall live a Sabbath-keeper; if I die, I die one." We think that they will not be easily deceived again. Several substantial persons who had not before embraced the truth, now expressed themselves as fully satisfied, and took a decided stand to keep the Sabbath. The Lord was manifestly with us here in all our meetings. We left the brethren much encouraged to press on. Our three week's visit in this county, has been an encouraging one to all. Some have been added to the church in each place. Many others are interested and even keeping the Sabbath. These we hope soon to see in the truth fully. The truth is bound to triumph in this county. Bro. L. stays here a few days longer. Brn. and sisters, remember your Sabbath meetings, and let every one be in his place. Heb. x, 25.

D. M. Canright.