Untitled article by A. S. HUTCHINS

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 29, 1867

A VISIT TO ALLEGAN COUNTY.

By A. S. HUTCHINS

Our pleasing trip to Otsego on the 16th ult., of 37 miles, in company with Bro. Loughborough, which we accomplished with Bro. White's team before the hour for dinner, has been spoken of. We visited at Bro. Hilliard's and other places till the 20th. On Sabbath 21st, listened to two interesting discourses from Bro. L. at Allegan. On the 23d, went to Monterey, where we were kindly welcomed by the dear brethren.

Just nine years ago, I here formed what proved to be a profitable acquaintance with the fever and ague; as it did much to correct a bilious habit, though while I was prostrated under its power, with my nervous system dreadfully shattered, it was hard to have one friendly feeling toward it. I have ever remembered with lively gratitude of heart the kindness of the beloved brethren and sisters to me in this sickness, and especially of brother and sister L. M. Jones, at whose house I was sick. And from that time I have written from experience, let quinine alone in case of the ague: a water treatment with the blessing of God, is a thousand times better.

Our visits with the different families here were very pleasant. We were happy to find so much tender feeling in the minds of the young on the subject of returning unto the Lord, as there was and had been since Bro. and Sr. White were there. It was easy praying for them in some families. May the Lord bless and strengthen them all to fully return unto him, and be in readiness to meet the Saviour when he comes.

Sabbath the 28th, I spoke to this church, and some from Allegan and Otsego, on the subject of a life of holiness. This was a season of solemn interest. The testimonies of these brethren and sisters, and of Bro. Dr. H. S. Lay, who was with us, were refreshing indeed. The young were melted into tears. A number spoke of their determination to live more devoted to God. One young lady for the first time spoke expressing her desire to become a Christian.

Oct. 3d, brethren and sisters, friends and neighbors, met and expressed their deep sympathy for our afflicted Bro. H. Kenyon, whose devoted companion we laid away on that day, to rest in hope till the Life-giver shall come.

Sabbath, the 5th inst., I preached to the brethren convened in Otsego for Monthly Meeting. After the discourse, about fifty testimonies were borne, some of them well wet down with tears. Hearty confessions were made and good resolutions formed. We hope all these dear friends will advance in the way of life; and that those who know they have not stood in the counsel of the Lord, will come up to their privilege, and show to the world with “well-doing,” that they love God and his truth and his children, as his professed people should.

On the 8th, in company with Bro. A. Cross from Vermont, we returned to the Health Institute.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Oct. 23, 1867.