p. 94 | Ingham Co., Mich by D. W. Milk

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 4, 1873

Ingham Co., Mich.

By D. W. Milk

FEB. 5, I left home hoping to find a place to hold meetings in Shiawassee County. Came to Perry Center, and on learning of a protracted meeting's being held there, I came to Locke. Here I found Bro. Stoddard filling his previous appointments, much worn and nearly sick. That evening was his last appointment, which he invited me to fill. He, with the the brethren here, had decided that a course of lectures at the present time was needed in this place, and had written that day for Bro. Van Horn to come. It is about eighteen years since Bro. M. E. Cornell first introduced the truth into this place, and some of the fruits are yet plainly to be seen. The consistent lives of the Bro. Avery and Brown, and some of their children, with others, speak well for the cause which they love. They love to talk of the blessed hope at the fireside. They feast when they hear the word spoken in demonstration of the Spirit. In short, there is a readiness among them to fill in meetings, instead of being dead weights.

Our united prayer is that the Lord in mercy will help some of their neighbors and children (who are not already in the truth) to see this precious light. I have now held eight meetings here, with some interest, though it was not as deep as was anticipated. Some of the professing community are using the strongest and most dangerous argument—Keep away—yet all do not heed it.

The house being occupied part of the time by other entertainments, I decided to improve all the time, and accordingly commenced meetings each alternate evening four miles west, in the brick school-house. I have spoken five times there, to a congregation increasing from about forty the first night, until last evening one hundred and fifty were present. The house was literally packed. Good attention was given. I spoke about an hour and a half. Subject, The Sanctuary. The Lord gave liberty. Praise his holy name. What the fruits will be, remains unseen as yet. I am trying to make God my refuge and strength.

The Solemn Appeal and Testimonies the Lord is giving us in mercy, through his humble servant, I feel are just what I need. The Lord help me to heed them, is my prayer.

Feb. 12, I spoke at the funeral of James Cole, at the Bell Oak school-house, to a large congregation, from 1 Cor. 15:21-23. “For since by man came death,” &c. Formerly he was a commandment-keeper. He leaves one sister (in this region), and an orphan daughter of about thirteen years of age, to mourn their loss. May she heed the counsel of those that seek her good.

D. W. MILK.

Feb. 17, 1873.