Report from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
I LEFT home Nov. 6th, to fulfill my published appointments. Evening of the 5th, held a profitable meeting in a school-house near Parkville, Kal. Co., near Brn. Langdons. Evening of the 7th, met with the church and people in the Parkville meeting-house. People listened attentively, hope some good was accomplished. Evening of the 8th, another meeting at the house of Bro. J. A. Strong, in Brady. A traveling stranger attended this meeting, pretending to know all about Adventists, &c., and that Christ fulfilled the law of Matt. v, 17, at his first advent, and that was the end of it. We quoted chapter iii, 15; Gal. vi, 2; and James ii, 8, to show him that the meaning of the word fulfill in the New Testament was directly the opposite of his view of it. He remained silent, but the people of the Lord were encouraged and strengthened to believe the straight testimony of the Saviour. Nov. 9th, Bro. S., with his team, took me to Kalamazoo. From thence I came to spend the Sabbath and first-day at Battle Creek. Evening commencing the Sabbath had a good conference meeting. It was very encouraging to meet with so large a company of Sabbath-keepers and commingle our voices in prayer and praise before his throne. Sabbath-day Bro. A. C. Bourdeau and self occupied the time with the exception of the last hour which closed with a cheering social meeting. First-day, visited the brethren, friends, and sick ones, in the Health Institute. Here, we learned were some twenty patients, cheerfully hoping to be relieved from their diseases by Hygienic treatment under the skillful directions of Dr Lay and assistants. The new Seventh-day Adventist meeting-house is about finished, outside, and progressing for the mason-work, inside. It is pleasantly located, and has a commanding appearance. May the cloud of the Lord ever rest upon it. Monday and Tuesday evenings held two interesting meetings with the church in Convis. The Lord added his blessing, and strengthened and encouraged them. Brethren B. Hill and J. H. Murray conveyed me to Charlotte, Eaton Co. Here we held two meetings with the church and people in a school-house, near the village, evenings of Nov. 14 and 15. The congregation seemed much interested to hear. We hope some good was accomplished. Sabbath and first-day, Nov. 17th and 18th, Bro. H. Allen took us with his team to meet with the churches in W. Windsor, Oneida, and Charlotte, at Potter's school-house. Here we held four profitable meetings and celebrated the Lord's supper. A large company, accommodated at Bro. Carman's, enjoyed a sweet, social meeting, in his house, evening after the Sabbath. Some that were not in the message came in on Sunday and listened attentively. The brethren and sisters were encouraged to go forward in the message.