Michigan and Indiana by J. H. W.

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

Michigan and Indiana.

By J. H. W.

SABBATH and first-day, March 9 and 10, I spent in Jackson. I found myself very much fatigued with the constant labor of the few weeks previous, but we had some good, profitable meetings. Found one more had taken hold of the truth, and I hope others will yet do so.

Having, by request of Bro. Lane, decided to change my route to Indiana, and go by way of North Liberty, I found I had time to stop over and hold another meeting in Burlington, and sent appointment accordingly. The ordinances were celebrated, and five of those who made a start at our special season of prayer were admitted to the fellowship of the church. I trust that good will result from this meeting.

The 16th and 17th, I held meetings in North Liberty, Ind. I had not been there since the fall of 1864, and was sorry to find so many there in a state of discouragement. The meetings were well attended, and the general interest seemed good. Some took hold with renewed courage and hope, and I was much encouraged to believe they are going to be revived there. They must help one another. We must all learn that it is a Christian duty to pity and to help those who we think are in error.

Tuesday, the 19th, I went from North Liberty to Fairfield, Howard Co., and had meeting in the school-house near Bro. Seaward's. Having a strong desire to visit the friends in Erwin township, on Wednesday morning, in company with Bro. Seaward, I went over the “Big Wildcat Creek,” and had notice circulated for a meeting in the evening. On this day I suffered from the cold more than on any day during the past winter. It is an unusual season. The ground, to-day, the 22d, is white with snow, the frost is not yet out, and the roads are good. Cold west winds. Last year, spring work on the farms was well advanced by this time. Short as was the notice, the house was well filled, and we felt that it was not a lost opportunity. But I had to leave them early in the morning, having a meeting appointed at Bro. Seaward's house at 11 o'clock. This was one of unusual interest. As I tried to set before them the danger of losing the spirit of the message, the nearness of the time of trouble, and the responsibility laid upon us by the knowledge of the truth given to us, the evidence was unmistakable that the love of the truth was there.

“Systematic Benevolence,” too long neglected, was entered into with cheerfulness, and I was cheered with the prospect of being able to point to them as an example to those churches that have newly come to the faith. I preached again in the school-house that evening, and three indicated their desire to live out the truth and go with the people of God.

Monday, the 25th, the meetings in Owen County were appointed at Spencer in the court-house. They were pretty well attended, and the interest constantly increased. As I had never held any meetings here, I did not feel satisfied to leave them with only four discourses, as I could not see that they would result in any permanent good. Last night there was a decided vote in favor of continuing. The weather has been beautiful, but to-day it rains, and the future is very uncertain for meetings, as we expect a break up immediately.

I feel an increasing desire to have all my feelings and interests identified with this solemn work, and pray God to direct and send prosperity.

J. H. W. Spencer, Ind.