Michigan: Meetings in Jackson and Parma
By J. H. Waggoner
By request, I attended the monthly meeting in Jackson, April 1. Several were present who were at the first meeting I ever held in Jackson, in 1853. As I discoursed on our past experience and present hope and prospects, from 2 Pet. 1:12, we all felt that the blessing of the Lord was with us. A number who were there had not fully understood the argument on the Sabbath around the world, and by their invitation, I spoke on that subject in the afternoon. I endeavored to simplify and illustrate the facts, and all expressed great satisfaction with the light developed on this point. Sunday, April 2, I attended meeting in Parma. Mr. Collins, the Presbyterian minister, had appointed to preach on the Sabbath, and gave a special invitation to our friends to hear him. I took notes of his discourse, but the meeting-houses of the place were closed against a review of it. The monthly meeting for Jackson Co., was held in Parma, May 6. This I also attended. I think it was a meeting of encouragement to all. Sunday, the 7th, I replied to the sermon of Mr. Collins in the Hall. The Hall was filled, and good attention was given, and I trust a good impression was made. As the discussion of this subject has been kept up in Parma by the resident ministers, it was thought best that I attend the June monthly meeting, and speak further on the Sabbath in Parma. But being called to attend a funeral in St. Charles, at that time, I could not go to Parma. The funeral was Friday, June 2. On Sabbath and first-day I also preached there. The church in St. Charles have been somewhat discouraged. Having had some trials among themselves, and no preaching for a long time, they seemed to think their lot rather hard. This feeling is natural, and they are not the only ones that indulge it. But they are taking hold of their difficulties and trying to settle them among themselves—the proper way—and I thought I saw evidences of a better state of feeling before I left. The weather was exceedingly warm, but by prudent care I passed through this labor feeling quite well, compared with months past. I desire to praise God for his great goodness. J. H. Waggoner.