Michigan Church Visits and Revival Efforts in Fall
By H. S. Gurney
Sept. 23, left home for Holly, to join Bro. Weeks in the town of Rose. Found him laboring under favorable circumstances, with a good interest to hear. The Sabbath question was being thoroughly canvassed when I left there, and the result could not then be told. Oct. 4, I left Rose for my appointment at Alaiedon. Here I found quite a discouraging state of things. I gave nine discourses, and had three social meetings. Bro. Jones failed to meet me there as appointed, on account of special business at home. This church was thrown into a distracted state and very much soured by some who had come there with a burden upon the subject of health reform who themselves were poor representatives of health reform. This matter, appearing as it did, fermented, and set them one against another, and the Spirit of God had almost left them. Some seem to think that common sense cannot mingle with the Spirit of God. But it seems to me like a great mistake. I sincerely hope that untried spirits will not think more highly of themselves than they ought to think, but to think soberly. When it began to be seen that I had not come among them with clubs, the coldness began to yield, and the Spirit of the Lord began to return. The last Sabbath and first-day was a good time. Quite a number came from Genoa, Locke, and Leslie, which added much to the interest of the meeting. The Spirit of the Lord met confessions, and sympathizing tears and love and union prevailed. If that church carry out their resolutions, they will see better days. May they continue in the love of God and in union with all the work of God in gathering up all the rays of light which will shine more and more until the perfect day shall come. I am now at home for a few days preparing for winter, then I shall be free to go and do as Providence may direct.