REPORT FROM BRO. STRONG.
By P. Strong
June 1st. At Allegan, at the Monthly meeting, as reported by Bro. Bates. June 2d. In company with several brethren we started for Manlius. After passing over a number of miles of barren waste, which reminded us of the desert places that are soon to blossom as the rose, we came to a halt in the tall pines before taking the parting hand, and sang that cheering hymn, “Sweet hour of prayer.” And while our voices mingled in love and harmony, our hearts were made to rejoice in hope, and we wished ourselves in the better land, where prayers are lost in praise. We found the brethren all ready for meeting, and trying to live out the truth. They have been laboring under some clouds of darkness, caused by suffering an outside influence, or those that do not stand in connection with them, to bear them down. If such have any love for the truth, and for the salvation of others in that place, it would be well to change their course and exercise more of a forgiving spirit. Always tearing open a sore, never will heal a wound, but will prove death to the patient. Seeming molehills sometimes grow larger than mountains. Press together. Let brotherly love continue, brethren, and the Lord will give you grace to overcome. Held four meetings with them, in which humble, cheering testimonies were given by most present. They feel in unison with the resolutions passed at Conference, and will try to live them out. Returned home to make preparations for the north, and June 13th, came to Caledonia; held six meetings with them, re-organized Sabbath-school, and Bible-class which had gone down. There was good interest manifested in all the meetings. The resolutions of Conference were brought before them, and all appeared to realize their importance at this time and resolved to humble themselves with God's people, in order to gain the blessing. The necessity of Health Reform is finding a lodging place in their minds, and there is a settled determination to have love and union prevail. Three were baptized, and seven united with the church. Sabbath 22nd. met with the friends in Duplain; find them trying to hold on. The lock-out argument is being successfully carried out here, and our meetings are being held at present in a barn. If Bro. Byington could give them an appointment on his way from61Gratiot, it would do them good and would not be much out of his way. If he can will he please give it through the Review that they may get it in time. Duplain, Clinton Co., June 26, 1867.