REPORT OF MEETINGS by James White

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 28, 1868

REPORT OF MEETINGS.

By James White

SABBATH and first-day, April 18 and 19, were good days to the brethren in this region. Bro. M. G. Kellogg, not long since from California, and more recently from Florence Heights, N. J., where he has received the title of M. D., from Trall's Medical College, came with us the 6th. We urged him to remain with us and speak to the people on the subject of health. Our visit has been the most agreeable. The harmony between what the Lord has revealed relative to this subject, and science, has been a theme of most interesting conversation, and mutual profit.

Bro. Kellogg spoke at Orleans, Sabbath, the 11th, and also twice at our house of worship on the evenings of the 18th and 19th. We were happily disappointed. We could but expect from one fresh from Dr. Trall's school some things objectionable, either in theory or in zeal to carry some points to extremes. We watched closely, and were disappointed to find him, as far as we could discern, free from these extremes, and the spirit and zeal to crowd the reform question faster than the people can bear it, which others have who are less informed.

It is true that Bro. Kellogg in theory as to proper food, and in the selection of articles of food for his own use, is ahead of the common custom of our people who claim to be health reformers. But he is able to give good reasons for all his positions and his practice. He urges reform. He shows that many and important changes should be made, but also says they should be made one at a time, and as fast as this can be done without injuring the constitution. And while Bro. Kellogg occupies a position in theory, and in his own practical carrying of it out, in advance of those who have taken but a portion of the necessary steps in reform, he is, in his labors, adapted to the wants of the people where they are.

We have also been much cheered by a visit from Bro. M. E. Cornell, who unexpectedly came among us the 15th. He spoke to the people Sabbath and first-day with freedom and profit to all. There is that simplicity, evidence of sincerity and warmth of zeal in this dear brother's labors, which make his discourses of peculiar interest and profit. God bless Bro. Cornell.

At the close of the afternoon service we baptized eight, seven of the number were children. And we are happy to here state that one of the number was Johnny, the orphan son of Eld. S. T. Cranson, who fell at his post proclaiming the third angel's message. His last words to his brethren were, “Care for my wife and children.” In a few years sister Cranson died, but her last effort was to secure the best care for her three remaining children. The Lord has heard the prayers

of those godly parents, and has blest their labors for their children. They have all been gathered into the fold. The eldest is now the worthy wife of Eld. D. M. Canright. God grant that the second daughter may also ripen into as noble womanhood. And may Johnny who has just taken the baptismal vows, be kept from the evils of the world, and become a strong young man for the Lord.

The last anxious thoughts of their parents were for their children. They fell asleep with this burden upon them; and when they awake in the morning of the resurrection, resuming the thread of their thoughts, they will anxiously look for their children. Will they all be there? And will those who have been fathers and mothers to them have the pleasure of presenting these dear orphans to their parents, all fitted for eternal life? God grant that this may be so.

JAMES WHITE.

Greenville, Mich., Apr. 20, 1868.