p. 150 | LABORS IN MICHIGAN by A. O. Burrill; Elbert B. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 4, 1869

LABORS IN MICHIGAN.

By A. O. Burrill; Elbert B. Lane

Since our last report, we have been laboring in the vicinity of the brethren in the town of Convis.

We were in pursuit of a field of labor a few miles beyond, when, by their request, we spoke to them in the evening as we were passing through, they earnestly desiring us to remain a longer time with them. The notice of our appointment was brief, yet we were favored with a good congregation, who unanimously voted for a continuation of lectures, with which we complied. A large attendance listened with increasing interest. We occupied a large school-house, which was often crowded, until we had given some twenty discourses, when opposition became so great that it was thought best by our opponents to use the lock-out argument, which closed our meetings. We spent some time visiting from house to house, with good success. We then received an invitation to continue our meetings in a school-house a short distance from where we were, which we accepted, but the shut-out argument followed us, so we gave but one lecture. We then sought another place, and after giving one lecture, found we could not continue there longer then, but could have an opportunity after their day school was closed. This privilege we secured by vote before leaving. We then received an invitation to occupy another school-house near by, which we accepted, and were permitted to remain till we gave twenty-seven discourses. We then returned to a former place, where we gave thirteen more, making in all about sixty discourses. The result is, thirty have taken a decided stand to keep the Sabbath. A number more made a start, but when opposition came, gave it up. May God pity them and still incline their hearts to serve him is our prayer. Opposition against the truth seemed very strong. We were met by two ministers, who preached four discourses against the truth, which we reviewed.

We were twice publicly abused by a class-leader and a private member, the latter reading an epistle at one of their meetings, grossly misrepresenting us personally. In addition to all this, many scandalous untruthful reports were circulated, which some believed. Yet God's hand evidently sustained us and to him be all the honor and glory. We would gratefully acknowledge the timely assistance rendered by Bro. and Sr. White, Van Horn, and others, during these meetings, which added much to their interest.

We would say in commendation of the church at Convis, that they have stood nobly by us in our labors there, attending most of our meetings, and using every opportunity to induce those interested to obey the truth. Quite a liberal fund was raised by them to freely distribute our books and tracts during these meetings. We think their example manifests a praiseworthy interest for their friends and neighbors. This church have, since we came among them, legally organized to hold church property, and are putting forth active measures to erect a house of worship. They seem to be well united, and we believe have taken a new start for eternal life. May God bless and reward them for their kindness to us, and may they receive the reward of the righteous for their faithfulness in his service here below when Jesus comes. It is with pleasure we cherish in our memories the joys and trials we have together participated in, and may we, with all the Israel of God, meet where all will be unalloyed peace and happiness, there to dwell forevermore in the society of the pure and blessed for his sake who redeemed us.

A. O. BURRILL. ELBERT B. LANE.

Battle Creek, April 23, 1869.