DISTRICT LABOR IN MICH by Joseph Bates

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 26, 1867

DISTRICT LABOR IN MICH.

By Joseph Bates

My last report of meetings was from Orleans, Ionia Co. From thence, Bro. S. King took us in his sleigh eleven miles to Ionia. From thence, we came to Wright, Feb. 5, where we remained five days, visiting the members of the church. On Sabbath and first-day we held five interesting meetings, and celebrated the ordinances. Since their late series of meetings held by Bro. and sister White and Bro. Loughborough, many are deciding to take a higher stand. Their decision in coming up to the figures in S. B. has increased their courage and strengthened their hope. In so doing, they have decided to no longer rob God, but prove him, and wait for his promised blessing. See Mal. iii, 8–10. May all of his dear people flee from this soul-destroying, burning sin of robbing the Author of their life and being, and seek forgiveness, and claim the promised refreshing from Heaven. If, like the great apostle to the Gentiles, we have sinned “ignorantly in unbelief,” we can find acceptance and mercy in and through the same Saviour. See 1 Tim. i, 13–16.

Feb. 11, as Bro. J. Wilson and sister J. Cramer were going to Battle Creek to receive treatment at the Health Reform Institute, we were invited by Bro. W. to ride with them some thirty-five miles to Bowne, Kent Co. Here we held three encouraging meetings with a few families that were still striving to sustain their Sabbath and weekly meetings. More than half their numbers have recently changed their location.

The 14th, Bro. Wilson’s team returning from Battle Creek took me on to my next appointment in Caledonia. The larger portion of the members of this church live in the adjoining town, Gaines, where they now hold their meetings. Sabbath and first-day, 16 and 17, I held four meetings with them, and enjoyed some freedom in praying with them in their families. I hope they will heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, and buy of him, and become rich and faithful heirs of his kingdom. At the close of the meetings, Bro. Pierce took me about ten miles on my way to his quiet home on the plank road. From this I started for Otsego. Bro. G. Leighton met me on the way and took me to Otsego, where I was happy to meet my companion, from whom I had been separated since the last of December. Here we spent a week visiting the members of the church, enjoyed some good praying seasons with the sick, and hope others were strengthened in the Lord.

On Sabbath and first-day, 23 and 24, we held four interesting meetings with the church and some of their neighbors. One was particularly interested. We enjoyed a good season in celebrating the ordinances.

During the last tour of over two months, with the fourteen churches I have visited, I have endeavored among other things to press home the importance of heeding the faithful and true Witness in the Laodicean message, and coming up to the figures on Systematic Benevolence, and living up to the light on health and dress reform, all of which I think, must be regarded as necessary to qualify those who will be esteemed worthy to carry out the loud cry of the third angel’s message. In this I am happy to say that most all who hear are convicted of duty. I am also happy to say that a goodly number are endeavoring to learn how to live and be ready. I hope their good example will be followed by all of God’s dear children who love and keep his commandments.

Bro. G. Leighton brought me to my next appointment in Allegan, where we held two free meetings, and celebrated the ordinances the evening after the Sabbath. These were the best meetings we have enjoyed in Allegan for many months. The church have increased their numbers nearly one half within the last year. Brethren from other churches have been locating in and around the county seat. Bro. W. H. Littlejohn, an old resident here, who has recently decided to observe the Sabbath of the Lord, is deeply interested in the work. His testimonies in the social meetings are good and very encouraging. In conversation after meeting he said that in consequence of too close application to his studies while in college, he had been deeply afflicted, and so far deprived of the privilege of seeing that he had not read a page in any book for the last ten years. I asked how it was that he was so familiar with the Scriptures? He answered that it was by having some one read to him. Said he, “I was glad I accepted your invitation to attend the ordinances this evening. I have been instructed and deeply interested in observing the order in washing feet. I was not aware that there was so much Bible testimony for the ordinance. Your people have been grossly misrepresented in this matter, but I see nothing here but what is in harmony with the Scriptures.”

Sabbath, March 9th, we were home again, and enjoyed a refreshing season with the church in Monterey. With these dear brethren and sisters we entered into a solemn covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. May we ever have it in remembrance.

They were much refreshed and encouraged by the visit of Bro. Loughborough the first week in Feb. last. Many then came up to the figures on S. B. We are hoping that all the church will follow in this good work. This is the seventeenth church we have visited since we left here Dec. 29, 1866. We are glad to say that there is an increasing desire among them to have all who love the precious work of the third angel’s message bring all their tithes into the store-house, and prove the Lord that the promised blessing may come.

JOSEPH BATES.

Monterey, March 12, 1867.