p. 190 | Lapeer, Michigan by T. D. VAN HORN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 28, 1871

Lapeer, Michigan.

By T. D. VAN HORN

COMMENCED meetings with the church in this place on Friday evening, Nov. 3. I remained with them nearly two weeks, and held, in all, twenty-one meetings. During this time, the brethren and sisters manifested a becoming zeal and interest in attending all the meetings. The attendance on the part of the people of the place was, for the most of the time, quite small. Great prejudice exists here against the cause of truth, which is owing mostly to the unconsecrated course of some who have been, and are, connected with the church, and the many trials and difficulties which this has produced.

I found this church in quite a low condition spiritually, yet they were making efforts to arise and press more unitedly and heartily into the work. A distant feeling toward each other, amounting in some instances to coldness and almost hatred, was the principal obstacle in the way of their advancement as a body. We directed our labor in the first place to do away with this, and, before leaving them, were permitted to see a happy result. We had several business meetings, and it was with great joy that we witnessed unity and harmony of action toward the close.

We were made happy by the presence of Bro. Stephen Pierce in our meetings the last Sabbath and first-day of our stay with them.

His heartfelt testimony on the Sabbath on the subject of “Love and Unity,” and again on Sunday, on the “Goodness of God,” was just what was needed. The good Spirit of God was present with us on these two days, and, through his goodness and mercy, envy and malice gave way to kindness and Christian love.

Financially, this church has been greatly embarrassed for a number of years, and some have become cold and discouraged by reason of it. But now they are rising above this. Their house of worship and the lot on which it stands are now all paid for. They owe about $250 on an adjoining lot which they have purchased, and there was a united feeling, as far as I could learn, to meet it when it becomes due. There are none that are opposed to the plan of Systematic Benevolence, yet all do not participate in it as they should, and as it is hoped they will, when they re-organize at the end of the year.

In our last business meeting, Bro. D. H. Sanborn was chosen by the church as their elder, and Bro. Wm. Potter as deacon. They were both ordained, and thus qualified to fill their places in the church.

Our last work at this place was to visit the sick at the house of Bro. J. DeMill. We found his wife suffering with fever and in a good deal of pain. By request, we presented her case before the Lord in prayer, and we had the evidence of his love and rich blessing. Relief was given to the sick, and a brokenness of spirit to the husband and children. We have great reason to praise God for what he has done for us in Lapeer. Amen. T. D. VAN HORN.

Memphis, Mich., Nov. 16, 1871.