IMPRESSIONS AT BATTLE CREEK—THE CHURCH.
By S. M. Spicer
The grounds and buildings of the Health Institute and the College, on opposite sides of Washington Street, form nearly the northern limit of the vicinity of the Adventists, while their other public buildings and some of their residences extend south along the same street, nearly to the river (Kalamazoo). On the third block south of the College stands the church, on a beautiful inclosed green; and across the street opposite this is a finely shaded city park, contributing much to the quiet of this part of the town. On the south of the park and church green passes Main Street east and west. The church is a plain, fine-looking building, ample to accommodate about five hundred, surmounted with a cupola, from which a deep-toned, but melodious bell speaks out betimes in behalf of duty, and of God's truth. The church is well seated and furnished; and, better than all this, every Sabbath nearly filled with a congregation who seem to be true worshipers of the God of Heaven. We noted very few in the number who apparently worshiped at the low shrine of vain pride and excessive show in dress. We wished there were none; for an undue fondness of outward show always impresses us that there is some deficiency in the cultivation of the heart and intellect. To estimate the actual number of resident members in this church is not always easy; as variations so frequently occur in consequence of the changes naturally resulting in the school, Institute, and mission fields. I think the record now stands about two hundred and seventy-five. This Society embraces a degree of native talent, intelligence, and refinement, not second to any in the city or country. This assertion will be allowed by any observer who carefully looks not only upon the surface, but the inner life and habits of this people. The quiet, busy industry of hands and heads devoted to the means and labors of spreading abroad the truth, the deep, sincere, religious tone manifested in family and church relations, also the careful, strictly honest deal in all business transactions, have won for this people the highest respect from the other portions of the city. This fact argues that there need be in no place a prejudice against this people which may not wear away on acquaintance, if the daily life is always consistent with the principles professed. We are indeed a peculiar people in the eyes of the majority, as they find themselves, from the instructions of early life, keeping a Sabbath of man's ordaining, instead of God's holy, appointed day. But what better means to lead these sincere, though deceived ones, to awake to a view of their position, than the uniformly faithful example of those who properly observe the Bible Sabbath. How impressive! as the labors of the week close, while the declining sun suggests the approach of the Sabbath, and at the cheerful summons of the church bell, the laborer leaves his work, and all the scattered members of the families gather around their fireside altar to consecrate the first Sabbath hour to the God who appointed it as a memorial of him and his rest. The sweet melody of hymns of praise and the voice of prayer, ascending from each home, seems to blend in one glad offering to the God of the Sabbath. It seems as if loving angels from the court of Heaven were hastening to bear the grateful incense of obedience before the Father's throne. And during this delightful and solemn scene, what outside observer can look on with indifference? Will they not rather feel inclined, on the next day, to heed the invitation of the church bell and drop in and hear of this doctrine? Thus may the seeds of truth be scattered by the wayside, perhaps to bring forth a hundredfold. Thus was the writer impressed with the first Sabbath passed in Battle Creek. Also in church—after the exercises of a large and flourishing Sabbath-school—the general services opened with the minister's deep, musical voice singing, “Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear,” &c.,
soon joined by the voices of the congregation, which filled the house with true, heart-warming melody. The continued exercises of the day were both interesting and instructive, and we thought that the church at Battle Creek was highly favored—then came the echoing thought, to whom much is given, of the same much will be required. And, if my first impressions are correct, this people realize this truth, and with true Christian devotion labor with this fact in view. May Heaven help them to continued and increasing faithfulness.