Genoa, Mich by I. D. Van Horn; Stephen Pierce

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 2, 1872

Genoa, Mich.

By I. D. Van Horn; Stephen Pierce

We began meetings in this place Wednesday evening, Dec. 6. The brethren and sisters manifested a becoming zeal in being present at all our meetings. We were free in the Lord in presenting his truth, and we were privileged to see a good result. We held in all ten meetings with this little band of believers, and in one of them we enjoyed a good season in celebrating the ordinances.

As is often the case our business meeting was the very best of all for the church. Some difficulties were happily adjusted, and we left them with good cheer and courage to go on in the work of overcoming.

This church had never adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence just as it was carried out by the body, yet they had a plan of their own which worked well among them. They made a change, however, at this meeting, and entered heartily upon the plan now carried out by our people.

They had a tract society already formed, and were doing quite well in that direction. We find no opposition to this work wherever we go, but most of the brethren and sisters have a willingness to enter into it and do what they can. May the Lord bless the little company at Genoa, and may the light shine there till the Lord comes.

Bunker Hill.

We commenced our meetings here on Wednesday evening, Dec. 13. We had nine meetings, and they were all well attended. On Sabbath and Sunday, some of the friends from Leslie were present. This church has become few in number, yet they have courage to still maintain meeting and go forward in the work of present truth. Circumstances were such that we did not form a tract society here. A good share of the neighborhood about them is made up of Catholics, and they therefore do not expect many to take hold of the truth and go with them.

Our stay with them was pleasant and resulted in good. They mourn over the apostasy of Eld. Frisbie. How it would cheer them could he go among them again and talk as he did eight years ago, when he presented the truth to them.

We find as we have gone from place to place, that what is lacking among our people more than anything else, is the principle of love. Self-love and selfishness of all kinds must be thrown away, for it is worthless in the sight of God. We should cherish the same love for one another and for sinners that Christ did for us. If we can develop the same heavenly principle in us that he manifested while in the world, it will insure for us a home in his kingdom. Brethren and sisters, open the door of your hearts wide, and let the Saviour in, and he will guide you safely through all the perils of the last days. Hold on to the truth, overcome, and you will reach home at last.

I. D. VAN HORN, STEPHEN PIERCE.