Almont, Mich by D. H. Lamson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 23, 1872

Almont, Mich.

By D. H. Lamson

The tent-meeting here is still in progress. Have had in all thirty-four meetings up to the present writing. Have quite thoroughly canvassed the subject of the Sabbath, yet the interest is apparently on the increase. Our congregations are respectable in numbers and character, and the best of order is preserved and good attention paid. Our first Sabbath meeting was held July 6, a large delegation of brethren and sisters being present from Memphis, fifteen miles distant, and some from Lapeer. The blessing of the Lord attended the word preached, and the social meeting which followed was exceedingly interesting. Many testimonies were given from hearts imbued, we trust, with the Spirit of the living God, and a corresponding love for the truth. Eighty-five were present, exclusive of children, and nearly all were directly interested in the present truth.

We hope that this meeting may result in a rich harvest of souls, as the multitude that come to the meeting are almost, as a whole, in close sympathy with us in our work. A goodly number are already united on the main features of our faith, and have expressed their determination to obey God, keeping all his commandments. Some have embraced the truth that never before professed religion, and some just tottering on the verge of the grave. We do believe that God in his mercy will accept them, even at the eleventh hour. We still look for others that are halting between two opinions. May they yet serve the living God.

We have not been able to stay in Almont so long without meeting opposition. This culminated for the first time in a public attack upon the views we advocate, by Eld. J. T. Hankinson, of the M. E. church, in their house of worship, yesterday (Sunday) forenoon, July 7. He followed, almost verbatim, Dr. Aker’s Sunday seventh-day theory, but did not, however, succeed in convincing many of his hearers of the truthfulness of his position. In fact, the subject was more befogged than elucidated.

The same congregation, nearly, listened to a candid review of his discourse in the afternoon, in the tent. Hundreds were at the meeting. At its close, an expression was called for to know how many believed the seventh day of the week, or Saturday, to be the only weekly Sabbath of the Bible. A large proportion of the audience rose to their feet. Upon calling for an expression for the other side of the question, not one of the hundreds arose, clearly showing the unsatisfactory evidence for Sunday-keeping.

This was the first review of this phase of the Sabbath question that ever fell to my lot to undertake. We have reason to hope that it will result in good, as the blessing of the Lord was evident in all the meeting. We do praise the Lord for the beauties and harmony of the truth. Its every tower is impregnable. Bro. E. B. Lane left for Matherton, last Thursday, and returns to-morrow. We expect to remain here another week, perhaps longer, then remove, as is now expected, to Holly, Oakland County.

D. H. LAMSON.