Meetings in Midland Co., Mich.
By M. E. CORNELL
We decided not to pitch the tent at Midland City, for two reasons: 1st. On account of the sickness prevailing there; and 2d. We found that those who had called for help in Midland County, and whose papers were sent to Midland City, lived twenty-two miles north, that being their nearest Post Office. After due consultation, it was agreed that Bro. Waggoner and Guilford should take the tent to Holly, and commence meetings there, and that I should search out those who were taking the Review in Midland Co., and had called for help. Accordingly I took passage on a loaded lumber wagon, this being my only chance to ride in that direction. The roads were prodigiously bad, and it seemed as though I never could endure to get through. I was jolted and bruised over the rough roads, until I was so nearly exhausted that I had but little power to hold on. In this condition I was suddenly thrown off the wagon, between the wheels, into the mud and water. By the help of the driver I succeeded in re-mounting the load, and thus, chilled, bruised, and in great pain, I rode over four miles. At last I came to the hospitable home of Bro. and sister Marsh, where I was kindly cared for. And now, after one week, I have nearly recovered from the accident, and that long-to-be-remembered journey through the Hemlock woods. I found here a little company of ten keeping the Sabbath, not one of whom had ever heard a sermon on the subject. They had read books and papers, and believed. I was with them five days, and held eight meetings. Five started in the service of the Lord, and ten were baptized. On the last evening more than half the audience voted for the Sabbath, and only one for the first-day, and he was a Catholic. I asked him if he had any scripture for it; and he explained that he only voted that it was Sunday. The question of more lectures came up, and the call for a course of lectures was sustained by a unanimous vote. Others here contemplate baptism. They request to be organized, and taken under the watch-care of the Conference. The brethren were ready to look after my expenses in a liberal manner, and brought me on my way forty-four miles to Saginaw, where I took the cars to this place, arriving last evening. Here I was glad to find the tent pitched, and a good interest commenced. The weather is unfavorable, but we hope for a change, and that our labors here will be crowned with success. We hope for the prayers of the faithful. Holly, Mich., Aug. 29, 1866.