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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, August 6, 1867

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 8

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REPORT FROM BRO. BATES.

By Joseph Bates

The last report of my labors was from Lapeer, July 1st. From thence we came to Holly, Oak Co., where on the 4th of July, the church and Sabbath-school children and friends retired from the noise of the village into a pleasant, shady grove near by, conveniently fitted up for the occasion, where, after an address to parents and children respecting their duty to God and to each other, we all united and partook of a rich repast of the bounties of Heaven furnished from the herb-bearing seed, and the fruit of the tree.
Sabbath and first-day following, we held six profitable meetings. On first-day we enjoyed a pleasant baptismal season in the village. Five were buried with Christ by baptism into death, and united with the church in the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord's house, and all were cheered and comforted.
July 9 and 10, disappointed about filling my appointment at Milford, took the cars for Linden some twelve miles distant and spent the time in visiting a few families of Sabbath-keepers. I felt that my time was not misspent. Returned to Holly and enjoyed a good social meeting with the church.
July 11–16, held eight meetings with the church in Tuscola village, Tus. Co., and celebrated the ordinances. This church is but recently organized. They are trying to urge their way onward with the remnant of God's people. To them the present truth is precious.
July 16–21, held seven interesting meetings with the church in Vassar. This church is some six miles from Tuscola, and eight miles the other way from Watrousville, so that many from these two towns often meet at Vassar and have very interesting meetings. Our meetings on the Sabbath were well attended. The celebration of the ordinances was a refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The health and dress reforms as a general thing are moving forward as in other churches. They say we want to know the will of the Lord and we will do. Lord help us to walk in the straight and narrow way, and preserve and manifest the Spirit of the heavenly ones, and we will praise thee in Jesus' name.
I am at present laboring with the church in this place. JOSEPH BATES. Centerville, Tus. Co., July 24, 1867.