Untitled article by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 3, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 12

REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.

By James White

After enjoying the hospitable home of Bro. Long of Greenbush for several days, we left that family fifth-day, Feb. 13, and journeyed to Bro. Milk's at Chesaning, Saginaw Co. The day was fine, and the sleighing good. Bro. and Sr. M. received us kindly, and seemed to enjoy our brief visit.

In the afternoon we came on to St. Charles, and put up for the night with Bro. E. S. Griggs. We were sorry to find this dear family much afflicted with severe cold and cough; yet glad to find them firm in the faith. Several other brethren and sisters called upon us, and said much to induce us to spend a Sabbath with them, but we could not consent to spend a week with this church of experience, while young churches, and those who had never seen us, and were anxious to have our labors, were anxiously calling for help.

Sixth-day, we left St. Charles, and rode twenty-one miles to Tittabawassee, and found a good resting place at Bro. Truesdell's. We were weary, and wished a retired home during the meeting, so were invited by Bro. Dr. Hawley to his quiet, retired home a little more than a mile from the house of worship. Bro. and Sr. H. have buried their three dear children, and as their hold of this world has been loosening, they have been enabled by the grace of God to secure a firm hold of Heaven.

As we entered this place, which is simply four corners with a country hotel, two or three small shops of trade, and a few cottages, we were surprised to find a neat, fine-appearing house of worship built by our people, which cost $2500. One year since, there was not a Sabbath-keeper in this vicinity; now, there are about one hundred, including children, who meet from Sabbath to Sabbath in their neat and commodious house of worship.

Less than two years since, Dr. Hawley, in his ride, ran across a pamphlet from the Review Office. He read it, and felt an interest. He soon took the Review, and his interest increased. Bro. Cornell was sent for, and he came to the place just as the traveling was breaking up, nearly one year since, and gave part of a course of lectures. The best part of the community believed, and began to keep the Sabbath, and during the last summer they built their house of worship, and have it nearly paid for.

Sabbath morning, the 15th, this house was filled with attentive hearers. Quite a number had come in from St. Charles, Chesaning, Midland, and other places. We spoke to them upon conversion for one hour and a half, and as we spoke to this dear people, could not feel that the least objection existed with one person before us. We saw no lack of interest in one person in that entire assembly.

In the afternoon, Mrs. W. spoke to the people in feebleness, yet no lack of interest in the congregation could be seen. In fact, we cannot learn that a single person in all this community, who has any interest in the third message, has any prejudice against Mrs. W.'s testimony.

In the evening, Bro. Andrews gave a very solemn and impressive discourse. He had also spoken to the people the previous evening. I then introduced the subject of books, and invited the brethren to call on me at Bro. Truesdell's the next morning at 8 o'clock. As many came as I could wait upon before meeting time. The large trunk containing Spiritual Gifts, How to Live, Appeal to Mothers, Appeal to the Youth, and many other books, was taken to the house of worship for the better accommodation of the crowd, and books were called for faster than several of us could wait upon them. In a few moments, my large supply of Spiritual Gifts and How to Live were all gone.

At noon a box with a fresh supply came, but in ten minutes, more were called for than had just arrived. The people will have the truth. Their ears are open to hear it, and they are supplying themselves with Bibles, Spiritual Gifts, History of the Sabbath, Thoughts on Revelation, Appeal to the Youth, Appeal to Mothers, Sabbath Readings, Trall's Home Practice, and our pamphlets and tracts generally.

First-day morning, we spoke upon the harmony of the law and the gospel in the work of man's salvation from the time of the fall till the close of probation. In the afternoon, Mrs. W. spoke with freedom, and to acceptance by not only the believers, but by many who had seldom, if ever, attended a meeting where Bible truth was preached, and the plain testimony borne.

In the evening, Bro. Andrews spoke to a crowded house in a most interesting and impressive manner. The interest increased at every meeting, and at every meeting more or less gathered round the trunk for more books.

Second-day evening, Mrs. W. gave a very plain, pointed, yet affectionate discourse to a large congregation. An appointment was given for her to speak upon the health and dress reforms, the next evening. And now, while we pencil these lines, she is addressing a large and deeply interested audience. It was decided to hold three meetings the next day.

Third-day morning, we spoke on the messages, to a larger congregation than we expected, considering that in the leading business of this country, viz., lumbering, our meetings came in the time of the richest harvest. In the afternoon, Bro. Andrews spoke to the people, followed by labor of the most intense interest for those who were almost persuaded to be Christians. About twenty came forward for prayers, ranging all the way in age from the strong, business man with silvered locks to the child that had not reached his teens. It was an affecting sight. Fifteen decided to take the cross of baptism. Bro. Andrews gave a most solemn discourse in the evening upon the time of trouble.

Fourth-day at 11 A. M., Bro. Andrews buried fifteen in the waters of the Tittabawassee. The church now numbers between sixty and seventy. And at half-past two in the afternoon, we left this dear people, to drive thirty-two miles to this place.

As we reflect upon this great and good work, starting from a single ten-cent pamphlet, and so faithfully carried out in the labors of Bro. Cornell, we feel more than ever that our people who wish to work for God in the most effectual way, will do well to keep the steam press running in the printing of tracts and pamphlets, and also well sustain the few laborers in the field. We have left, at least, $100 worth of publications with this people. Most are paid for, or will be soon, and a small amount is given to the poor, and left for free distribution.

JAMES WHITE.

Vassar, Feb. 21, 1868.