St. Clair Co., Mich by D. H. Lamson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 12, 1872

St. Clair Co., Mich.

By D. H. Lamson

Since my last report, Dec. 1, the time has been occupied in this county, with the exception of one meeting in the county of Sanilac. The interest is still growing, and the prospect as favorable as at any time since the more recent work began here. Have been able to give but about fifty discourses during the last ninety days on account of severe hoarseness and soreness of lungs, for some days, with almost incessant coughing, the first experience of this kind, I believe, in my life. The work in the vicinity of Smith’s Creek, it is thought, will be permanent. Some twenty or more have pledged themselves to sustain Sabbath meetings. A Sabbath-school is also partially organized, and the house is usually quite well filled with those interested. It is the design to complete the arrangement for Sabbath-school next Sabbath. It will be a great help to those here when the Instructor contains lessons, which I am credibly informed will be the case as soon as April. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon this vine which we trust is of his own planting, and fruit be seen in the world to come.

Strong efforts are made, public and private, to destroy our influence here, as also against the cause we advocate. A three hours’ discourse was given on the Sabbath question opposing the views we advocate, Jan. 21, by Eld. Burgess, a minister of the Christian denomination. I was not present on the occasion, but by the aid of notes taken by Bro. H. S. Gurney, was able to review the subject to the satisfaction of all the friends on the following Sunday, Jan. 28. The effort of Eld. Burgess proved a help instead of a hindrance to the cause.

Several meetings have been held in an adjoining neighborhood, resulting, as far as known, in three heads of families taking a stand upon the truth. They all meet together on the Sabbath. The future of this little company depends altogether on how near they live to the Lord. May he in his mercy help them to shun unnecessary trials, and to exert a gathering influence. Almost the whole neighborhood here are favorable to the cause of present truth, and if a proper walk is maintained, others may be induced to take their stand with us.

Spent last Sabbath in Greenwood. The church here are determined to do their part in the great work before us. Succeeded in perfecting an organization, Bro. J. L. Westover being ordained elder. Systematic Benevolence had been previously entered upon, and a clerk and treasurer appointed. We celebrated the ordinances on this occasion for the first time, and we can truly say the Lord gave us his blessing. They will report to the Conference before its next session, and ask to be taken under its watchcare. Progress is made in getting rid of idols. The elder of the church had been an inveterate user of tobacco for forty-four years, yet has been able, by the help of the Lord, to gain a complete victory. I write this for the benefit of others, for “What man has done man may do.” Have, within the last two weeks, held several meetings about three miles out of Memphis. These have been almost entirely between my other regular appointments, and we earnestly hope they may result in good. Expect to commence a course of lectures at Ruby, this county, on Sunday evening next, to continue as long as the interest may warrant. I cheerfully and gratefully acknowledge the assistance of H. S. Gurney in getting from place to place, he kindly providing a horse and carriage on all necessary occasions, as also occasional help in singing and preaching. I fervently desire the prayers of all the friends of the cause, that the work may prosper, and that sheaves that are now ungathered may find a place in the garner of the Lord.

D. H. Lamson.

Feb. 28, 1872.