Michigan and Indiana by E. B. Lane

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

Michigan and Indiana.

By E. B. Lane

My last report was given while laboring in Potterville, Mich.

But few places ever present a deeper and more lasting interest than this one. Although considerable preaching had been given there from time to time, still the public mind was unsatisfied, and from the beginning the interest arose. Speaking indefinitely, there were more than one hundred discourses, also a public debate of five evenings was held, yet the people manifested a good interest, to the close.

On the part of our brethren and myself, I would acknowledge the timely and efficient aid of Bro. and Sr. White, who, on several occasions, came and addressed the people, much to the interest of the meetings. Our house of worship, though quite a large one, was insufficient to accommodate all. Movable seats were supplied, still, on Sunday nights, many were deprived of hearing on account of not being able to get an admittance, every available foot of room being occupied.

I am satisfied that the majority of those who attended were convinced of the truthfulness of the positions we hold on Bible truths. But, alas! this is an age in which men will be satisfied with convictions alone, and risk the consequences of disobedience. About thirty-five took hold of the Sabbath, and seemed greatly rejoiced that God had given them hearts to obey.

We had labored there but a few weeks before opposition arose. The resident minister of the United Brethren church preached against our views on the condition of the dead and Sabbath question. We reviewed him each time, after which, one of their leading men, Eld. Barnaby, was sent for, and a discussion was the result.

This discussion was reported by Bro. Smith, and is in print. So it is unnecessary to give a synopsis of the arguments and replies, as all can procure it who wish, by sending to the REVIEW AND HERALD Office. The Sabbath question, however, was all that was reported. We discussed two questions, the Sabbath and condition of the dead.

After spending a few days at home, making some preparations for a summer's campaign, I designed starting out with the Michigan tent, but in compliance with an urgent request to return to Indiana, I concluded to spend a portion of the season in that State. We pitched the tent there, and met with the misfortune, as reported by Bro. Waggoner last week. For the good of the cause there we deeply regret that they should lose the use of the present tent season.

Those with whom we conversed seemed to greatly feel this loss, and offered to donate freely could such a calamity be avoided. I hope at the next camp-meeting something may be done for next season.

We visited as many of the scattered brethren as we could, and found them of good courage, exerting a gathering influence, quite a number having embraced the truth since we were last among them. My prayer is that God will bless his cause and people in Indiana as well as Michigan, and with all the Israel of God save them in his kingdom. I commence laboring with the Michigan tent this week. E. B. LANE.

June 19, 1872.