Joseph Bates Visits Michigan Sabbath-Keeping Churches
By Joseph Bates
SABBATH and first-day, June 10 and 11, I held six encouraging meetings with the church in Leighton. June 12–15, I visited from house to house, and held meetings with the church in Gainsville and Caledonia. June 16–18, I met with the Sabbath-keepers in Bowne. Owing to family difficulties, they have been brought into deep trials for some months in the past. They now feel more encouraged to press forward. We hope they will not forsake the assembling themselves together, and will press forward in this patient waiting of the saints. June 18–20, I spent in Vergennes. Here I met with Bro. Waggoner, who had been holding a two days’ meeting. The brethren were much encouraged. We enjoyed a profitable season together in visiting and praying with the scattered brethren. June 21–26, I was in Hastings. Here are a few families of Sabbath-keepers, trying to keep the commandments of God. We spent the Sabbath and first-day holding meetings with them, and celebrating the ordinances. They express a readiness and courage to go forward and still labor on in the good cause of the Lord. July 1, we had a profitable Sabbath meeting and Sabbath-school, and celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house with the church in Monterey. Sunday, July 2, I held meetings with the church in Allegan. Some were baptized. May the Lord strengthen, bless, and encourage his remnant people to overcome, and press their way onward to meet their coming Saviour, is my prayer. JOSEPH BATES.