REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.
By James White
FIFTH-DAY, the 30th ult., we left our friends in Wright, where we had enjoyed interesting meetings, and journeyed to Monterey, a distance of fifty miles. Dr. Kellogg remained to spend another Sabbath at Wright. Sixth-day we went to Allegan, and made arrangements for meetings there on first-day, the 3d instant. Sabbath morning the house of worship at Monterey was well filled at an early hour. One thing in this people I can but admire. Half past ten with them is usually ten, while with many it is eleven. I spoke in the morning upon the parable of the lost sheep, Luke xv, 1-7, and compared, with the sentiments there taught, other portions of the word of similar import. The subject seemed exceeding fruitful, and the Lord helped. Probably a subject never suited the occasion, considering all the circumstances, better than this. As in many of our churches there had been a want of tender care for the erring, and the wandering. And while the subject reproved this, it also reached the hearts of the neglected, erring ones, and both felt the force of the subject. The effect seemed most gratifying and encouraging. Again we felt triumphant in spirit, and praised God for the freedom we had once more before this people in Monterey, and from several places in Allegan County. It has ever been a place of unusual freedom, and now we felt that brighter days were before this people. Mrs. W. spoke with freedom in the afternoon, following up the good impression made in the morning. In the evening I spoke an hour, then there followed a social meeting in which good testimonies were given, sustaining positions taken during the day. The meeting closed, and we felt that the good work had just begun. But there were our appointments for the next day at Allegan, and for the next Sabbath at Battle Creek. Again we were troubled as to duty. But on our way to Allegan first-day morning, we decided to return to Monterey, and finish the well-begun work. At Allegan we had good congregations three times on first-day and evening. I spoke in the morning on the Law and Gospel; Mrs. W. in the afternoon on the death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and second coming of Christ, and we divided the hour in the evening between us, and returned five miles to Monterey, and found the meeting here just closing. We gave notice of a meeting for the church in the afternoon of the next day, and returned to our old resting-place, with the family of Bro. L. M. Jones, weary from our two days' excessive labors. The church meeting of the afternoon of third-day was a success. Brethren are getting the missionary spirit for the lost sheep. God help them. If they take hold of this work right, they will bring them every time. We have made several visits to some in this place who are not members of the church, yet observe the Sabbath, and are much encouraged respecting them. Fifth-day morning. The work is moving forward. Our dear brother, Geo. T. Lay, well known as a working friend of the cause in its past history, has taken a noble stand. Brethren have enjoyed visiting him and family, and confessions have been mutual and full. A345better work I never saw in any church. And conviction is fastening on others. Last evening, I spoke on the Law and Gospel. This morning, I called on a friend who acknowledges the truth. We expect to see him enjoying hope in Christ. The church is in working order. The lost sheep are coming, and there is a general conviction upon the minds of the youth.