Michigan Church Visits After Camp-Meeting
By R. J. Lawrence
SINCE camp-meeting, I have visited the churches as follows: Spring Brook, Ithica, Williamstown, Tittabawassee, Edenville, St. Charles, Chesaning, and Holly. I cannot report as favorable as I could wish, yet there are some tokens of good. A few in most of the churches are striving for the victory, while others appear inactive and lukewarm. In Spring Brook, I found them in trouble. After visiting all the members, and inquiring into all the causes of their trouble, and then getting the parties together, I found that mole hills had been magnified into mountains, and gnats into camels; and also that the accused party was ready to do anything that was right to settle the matter, while some of the accusers were not. If the enemy can succeed in getting a division among this people, he can work more successfully in destroying their influence. How guarded we should be in this respect. I left them in a more hopeful condition. The meeting in Ithica was very good. The Lord helped to give the straight testimony, and by the testimonies borne, I judge that the truth reached the hearts of many. The church in Williamstown were in trouble. I bore my testimony, but did not succeed in bringing about a reconciliation. I gave them advice, with the hope that after further consideration they would accept it and become reconciled. At Tittabawassee, I spent a Sabbath and first-day. Spoke four times. Had but little freedom. From here, I went to Edenville. Found the members holding on well considering that they are but seldom visited by our preachers. I spoke three times, seemingly much to their encouragement. I then came to St. Charles, and spent Sabbath and first-day. Met Bro. Strong here on his way up to Tusca. He took part in the labors of the meeting much to the interest of the church. Some in this church are striving for the victory. Monday evening we spent with the few brethren in Fremont, seven miles from St. Charles. Tuesday and Wednesday spent in Chesaning. They have been in some trial, but full and hearty confessions showed a disposition to remove every obstacle, and restore full confidence. May the Lord bless them. At Holly, our meetings were excellent. The church was much revived, and the hearts of some of the unconverted were moved. Some spoke for the first time. Our meeting at Oakland was very good. A few from Holly met with us, and some from without. I feel more than ever the necessity of perfect holiness, and of girding on the armor more firmly. The scourge that has passed over the land is another evidence that the perils of the last days are upon us. Oh! that the people would take warning and make good their escape by obeying the word of the Lord.