REPORT FROM THE MICHIGAN TENT by Philip Strong; Elbert B. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 24, 1869

REPORT FROM THE MICHIGAN TENT.

By Philip Strong; Elbert B. Lane

In compliance with proposals made at the Conference, we pitched at Wayland, Allegan Co., June 2. Notwithstanding immediate opposition, we were favored with a good attendance, but the unusually cold evenings, with long, protracted rains, had a telling effect on our congregations. Many came till they contracted colds, which, despite their interest, prevented their attendance. False reports, calculated to hurt the interest of the meetings, were circulated, which seemed to have more influence here, than in many other places. Under these discouraging circumstances, we labored about four weeks, until it was evident that, from lack of interest manifested, our work in this place was accomplished. We can report but little success. Three have decided, however, to obey the truth.

Having received an urgent request from the church in the town of Gaines, we held a two-days meeting, Sabbath and Sunday, the 2d and 4th of July, with them. The sister churches were in attendance, and we enjoyed much of the blessing of the Lord. We were happily disappointed in finding a great interest awakened on the part of the people. So we concluded to stay longer.

Have met with some persecution from a rough set of fellows, who were determined to break up our meetings; but a vote of the congregation, discountenancing their proceedings, shamed them into decency, and we have not been disturbed by them since.

We have labored in this place about six weeks, the result of which is, that nearly a score, young and old, have made a start in the service of God. Have encountered considerable opposition here, also, principally from ministers and the leading religious element of the place; once in a public manner, on the Sabbath question. Both in Wayland, and in this place, we had to meet false reports concerning the Monterey insanity, which has had a powerful effect on the minds of some. May God have mercy on the honest, pity the erring, and save all who are seeking after truth, is our prayer.

We are in good spirits. Our trust is in God, our hope in Heaven, and the strong arm that only can give us needed help.

PHILIP STRONG, ELBERT B. LANE.