MICHIGAN by A. O. Burrill

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 13, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 15.

MICHIGAN

By A. O. Burrill

My last report reached March 1. At that time I had been with the church in Ravenna about ten days. During this time many were hopefully converted, and the meetings for the next two weeks were very interesting. This church was doubled in numbers, s. b. more than quadrupled, and discouragements were removed. At the last Sabbath meeting several more, heads of families, took their stand to obey the truth. If this people will let their light so shine before men that they can see their good works there are many more who will be added to their numbers.

MUIR.

March 10–16, was with this church. On my way, held one meeting with the friends in Saranac. Here I still find some interest outside to know more of present truth. I shall return to look after it as soon as possible. At Muir and Lyons I found the church advancing. The Sabbath-school was well attended. There is still an interest to hear. Six more took their stand for the first time to obey the Lord. This has been a hard field in which to plant the truth. The opposition has been determined, yet the Lord has blessed the efforts, and there is a young growing church. To the Lord be all the praise.

BUSHNELL.

This church is about thirteen miles north of Muir, and by the request of Bro. Root, in connection with Bro. Fargo, I met with them and remained one week. During the winter they have been holding meetings and laboring from house to house. More than a dozen had embraced the truth and were trying to live it out. On Sabbath about twenty came forward to seek the Lord. Sunday eleven were baptized, and twelve were added to the church. In the evening two more decided to serve the Lord.

On Monday a general business meeting was held. One was disfellowshiped, and the following resolution was passed: “We the church of Bushnell, Mich., believing the use of tobacco to be sinful, covenant together to carry out Matt. 18:1–18, with any one who is using it, or may hereafter take it up.” Those who had come into the church cheerfully joined in paying Systematic Benevolence.

Bro. Wm. Allchin was elected elder, and Bro. Stephen Allchin, deacon. At the close of the sermon that evening, before a crowded house, they were set apart by prayer and the laying on of hands. We found it quite easy laboring here. If all our churches would do as this church has done, by trying to interest and gather in their neighbors, we should see a harvest of souls brought to this precious light.

ORANGE.

March 24, accompanied Bro. Fargo to this place. I had labored for several months near this church, and they had been frequent attendants at the meetings, yet I had been with them to hold only one meeting. Nearly all the young men and women have made a profession of religion, and have been baptized during this time. Our meetings with this church began on the Sabbath. The night before about ten inches of damp snow had fallen into the mud, making the roads nearly impassable, yet the church was generally out. We did not see all accomplished that we desired, yet several came forward for prayers, and one made a start in the service of the Lord for the first time. There is such a desire from without to hear that I have decided to give a short course of lectures. Every night the house is well filled, and the best attention given to the word spoken.

My address, till further notice, will be, Portland, Mich. A. O. BURRILL.

March 31.