Leighton, Mich by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 15, 1873

Leighton, Mich.

By A. S. Hutchins

Agreeably to appointment, Bro. C. Jones and myself were at Leighton, on the 21st and 22d inst. Though the brethren and sisters are considerably scattered in this section, there was a good attendance at the meetings. One brother, at work sixty miles away from home, came home to attend the meetings; and said he was well paid for the sacrifice he made. On Sabbath, a few were present from Gaines.

The church here has not been favored with the visits and labors of our ministers, much, for some time. They felt the need of help, and seemed to appreciate it. After listening to two sermons on Sabbath, on highly practical subjects, we had a very good and spirited social meeting. The brethren appeared conscious that they had departed from their first love, and that the spirit and influences of the world had, in quite a degree, absorbed their affections for God and his truth; and that they must return unto him, to enjoy his favor and gracious presence, as in days past, and to secure spiritual prosperity.

On first-day, I spoke in behalf of the Tract and Missionary Enterprise. The following incident was of interest to this church on this occasion, as illustrative of the result of giving one religious paper, treating on the subject of the Bible Sabbath, long ago:

More than twenty-five years since, a few religious papers, published by the Seventh-day Baptists, fell into the hands of a young man from Potter Co., Pa., while away from home, who was a member of the Baptist church, and a candid inquirer for light on the Sabbath question. On his way home, he distributed these, giving one to a clerk in a store, an irreligious young man. This he soon after gave to a deacon of the Baptist church, living in the vicinity of the young man who left it at the store.

In this, the deacon found an article on the subject of the Bible Sabbath, the perusal of which awakened an interest in his heart to know the truth as set forth in the Scriptures on this point. His diligent researches were quickly and richly rewarded with settled convictions as to duty, to which he readily yielded, by keeping the next Sabbath; as did also the young brother who brought the papers into the country; neither knowing the intention of the other to do thus. Now united in faith on this important duty, and sustained by the word of God, they held prayer meetings on the Sabbath in a pleasant grove, till there was another opening, and sought to impart the precious light to others.

Twenty years ago, Eld. W. S. Ingraham visited this place and preached the third angel’s message. Several embraced the truth. The winter following, I joined him, in his labors in that section; others willingly gave their hearts to God, and commenced to honor him by keeping the holy Sabbath. Years passed away, when two of these families came to Leighton. A preacher in this State was invited here, under whose labors this church was raised up, with which the brethren from Pennsylvania united, and with them is the brother who collected and scattered the papers bearing the light on the fourth commandment, above referred to.

The hearts of these dear brethren and sisters seemed to warm up with gratitude to God, and they appeared anxious to do something to send the light and truth to others, which they manifested by pledges, for the T. & M. Society, amounting to $67.65; which, considering circumstances, was more than we could expect.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

June 25, 1873.