LABORS IN MICHIGAN by A. O. Burrill; E. B. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 26, 1869

LABORS IN MICHIGAN.

By A. O. Burrill; E. B. Lane

SINCE our last report, we have been laboring among a society of United Brethren, in the town of Chester, Eaton Co., Mich. We were cordially received by this people, who became much interested in the truths we presented. Our lectures were listened to with good attention, conviction evidently reaching the hearts of many. With these encouraging prospects, we gave seventeen discourses, which brought us to the time of their regular Quarterly Meeting. Had passed the testing points of our faith, and were not disappointed in our expectations of opposition at this time.

I will here mention that Bro. Burrill was called away on account of sickness in his family, his place being supplied by Bro. Gage, who arrived during the closing discourse of their meetings, just in time to hear a volley of abuse from a professed minister of Christ. Many false statements were made concerning us as a people. Bro. G. deemed it necessary to correct one of the worst, and, as the result, was openly charged with dishonesty by the elder.

Notwithstanding our right to the church in which we were laboring, was secured by paying a liberal rent, we were refused the house, that they might hold a protracted meeting; but the people were so much displeased with their arrangements that they finally took up their appointments. Had this concluded our difficulties, we should have felt quite fortunate; but at our next appointment, we were challenged to debate several leading points of our faith. This challenge was substantiated by a unanimous vote of the people. Bro. G. therefore accepted. His opponent, a presiding elder of the United Brethren society, also member of our State Legislature, having discussed some of these questions with Bro. R. J. Lawrence, was prepared to move very cautiously, keeping as clear as possible of the vital points of the orthodox views; therefore much that he advanced, was foreign to the subject, making it very difficult to meet him in debate. These discussions were attended by a crowded house, and the spirit manifested by the disputants seemed satisfactory to all. The judges not being willing to decide these questions, each person was left to decide for himself.

We continued our labors some time after, giving twenty-nine discourses. A few have decided to obey the truth. May God help them to prove faithful, and at last be prepared to meet him with joy and not with grief, at his appearing.

A. O. BURRILL. E. B. LANE.