St. Clair Co., Mich by D. H. Lamson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 9, 1871

St. Clair Co., Mich.

By D. H. Lamson

I RESUMED labor immediately after the close of the lectures at Battle Creek, holding meetings at Potterville, Delta, and Hawkins school-house, all in Eaton Co., Mich., the most of the time until the eighth of March. Started March 23 for Memphis. Held seven meetings with the church which we trust will result in much good. Left this place March 29 in company with Bro. Gurney to seek a new field of labor. Stopped at Bro. F. Worden's over night, himself and wife accompanying us next day to the place appointed for the meeting. Found the house occupied, though Bro. Gurney had previously sent an appointment, so that no meeting could be had until first-day afternoon. The notice of the meeting had not reached them. Friday, the 31st, returned to Bro. Worden's finding a good pilgrim's home, a quiet rest, and hearts in union with all the truth. Spoke evening after Sabbath to a large company (considering the very short notice), on Matt. 24. Had good freedom in the Lord.

The next day, meetings commenced in Cottrellville, at the Marks district school-house. This is the south-east corner town in St. Clair Co. Held in all twenty-eight meetings; and although the district is nearly half Catholic, yet the body of the house, a very large one, has been filled to its utmost capacity many times. The interest, it is said by all, has been wonderful, men and women walking long distances sometimes through rain and mud, to get to the place of meeting; and the Lord has blessed in the administration of the word. The last meeting, Tuesday evening, April 25, was of deep and solemn interest. Some, we have reason to believe, at that time decided to be commandment-keeping Christians. Quite a number have decided to keep all the truth. May the Lord give them courage and fidelity. The parting scenes of that night and next morning will never be forgotten. The tearful eyes, the trembling voices, are written in God's book. Oh, may it not be against us in the coming day! The Lord keep us from falling. Trials may await us here, and afflictions press. Death may part us; but there will be a re-union of all the faithful when the work is done. Praise God for the blessed hope. It is like an anchor to the soul.

The people here have proved themselves friends in many ways. Homes have been provided, and hearts opened in every direction. Sums of money amounting to something over thirteen dollars were handed to me as a personal benefit, all unexpected, yet gratefully received. It is my prayer that all the donors and all this people may yet see and obey all the truth, and thus be admitted through the gates into the everlasting city of our God.

I cheerfully acknowledge Bro. Gurney's hearty co-operation in the work here, and believe that while he has been trying to water others, he has been watered himself. It is now expected that Bro. Lawrence will meet with the people in Cottrellville, Friday evening May 12, continuing over Sabbath and first-day, or as long as needful. May the Lord bless the effort. D. H. LAMSON.