Report from Bro. Stoddard.
By Bro. Stoddard
DEC. 6, visited the church at Edenville. Found them seriously involved in difficulties. After laboring hard for some ten days to reconcile alienated parties, was compelled to leave them without hope of their condition ever being any better. They have forgotten the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some is. Dec. 28, met with the church at Alaiedon. It being their quarterly meeting, there was a good attendance. The Lord blessed the labors of the meeting, and good was done; but this dear people have a greater work to do in the way of consecration, to get ready for the coming of the Lord. May the Lord lead them out in the good work. Jan. 4 and 5, attended the quarterly meeting of the churches of Hillsdale and Ransom, at Hillsdale. A good representation from Ransom Center. It was decidedly a good meeting. Some difficulties existed, but they are in a fair way of adjustment. Good was done for the cause. Bro. Joel Stone was appointed their elder; Andrew Keefer, clerk. Systematic Benevolence was arranged for the year. May the Lord move them out more and more in the great preparation work. Jan. 9-16, labored with the church at Ransom Center. Bro. St. John being at home, united in the labors of the meetings with gratifying results. A good work was done for the church in the name of the Lord. Never before have I witnessed such thorough work of confessing one toward another and making wrongs right. We all felt that the Lord was in the work. In heart, the brethren and sisters seemed to get very near each other, and nearer to God. Bro. Wilber was elected their elder. We left this meeting to be continued in charge of Bro. St. John. Bro. St. John writes that six young people started out to seek the Lord. I pray the Lord to bless the dear youth. May brotherly love continue. Jan. 18-23, met with the friends at Leslie. Here were difficulties existing, with their legitimate consequences. The Lord worked for us, and good was done. Prospects more hopeful. Jan. 25 and 26, at Bunkerhill, suffering very much from a hard cold. Had a good degree of freedom with this people. Had a good meeting, nothing more. This church seemed to be united, but not enough engaged in the good work. I am much indebted to Bro. and sister Bailey for their good attentions while afflicted. Feb. 1-7, at Locke. This people are united. Had unusual freedom in laboring. The Lord revived his work. Our social meetings were full of life. It was good for me to be there. Feb. 8-17, at Genoa. Meetings at Bro. Carpenter's house. Found this church very much in need of labor. Here were troubles of a serious character. The enemy had succeeded too well in destroying the peace of this church, but the Lord worked for us in great power. The dark spirit was expelled, peace restored, and this dear people are again free and happy in the Lord. It was the united testimony of all that the Lord was truly leading in the work. May the Lord still work for them, is my earnest prayer. My poor heart has been made glad in the last two months. I still feel like trusting in the Lord and pressing into the work, redeeming the time by laboring with greater diligence.