p. 62 | Allegan Co., Mich by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 5, 1873

Allegan Co., Mich.

By A. S. Hutchins

I HAVE now been in this county eight Sabbaths—three in Monterey, one at Leighton, one at Allegan, and the last three in Otsego. At Monterey and Otsego, I found the churches so much in need of help, and so very anxious to have me remain with them till things could be set in order, that I did not feel free to leave them till we could see a mark made in this direction.

And I think it safe to say, that all the working members in each of these churches, realize that they have been very much benefited by the meetings we have held, and the efforts made from house to house to lead the brethren and sisters to that state of activity, union, and zeal, in the cause of the Lord, which should everywhere characterize the remnant church. So far, the blessings of Heaven have seemed to crown our efforts.

Mainly, the brethren have taken hold nobly to remove those obstacles which have lain in the way of a growth in grace, and of the prosperity of the church. Instead of long, tiresome church meetings, they have visited each other, talked matters of difference over in the spirit of love, confessing past wrongs and neglected duties, praying with and for each other, with most gratifying results. Let us each remember, “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Prov. 28:13.

But I cannot report that all have engaged in this work who should. The stupor and mold of death hangs over some, for whom we greatly fear. Will they awake and arise to the great work of preparing to meet the Lord before it is too late? or will those terrible words fall upon their ears from the lips of the Master, “Ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh”?

We are rapidly being borne on to great and solemn events connected with the closing scenes of this world’s history. Now is the time for the church to make advance steps if we gain the prize at the end of the Christian race.

At Monterey, Allegan, and Otsego, we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. His good Spirit was present, we trust, to raise our hearts in gratitude to him who died that we might live.

At each of the last two named places, I baptized two young friends. May they be faithful unto the end. At the close of our meetings, Sabbath, 19, some six or seven came forward for prayers. A very deep solemnity pervaded the house, and much of the Spirit of God fell upon us while in prayer for these mourners. As we arose from the season of prayer, about as many more rose up, expressive of a desire for the prayers of the church.

Last Sabbath, the solemnities of the Judgment hour seemed to rest upon the minds of God’s people. The afternoon meeting closed with earnest prayer for some twenty who had expressed a desire to go with the people of God to Mount Zion. We have been indeed thankful for the presence and help of Bro. Charles Jones, and other working brethren and sisters, from Monterey and Allegan, in some of the meetings here.

Yesterday, at 5 P. M., I had freedom in speaking to a large audience, on repentance and faith. Friends who came in to hear gave good attention. We now leave this people, to go to Wright. We feel a deep solicitude for the future prosperity of the dear old friends in this county. They have shown us many tokens of care and love.

I intended to say that the Otsego church, and friends, have taken hold liberally on the T. and M. enterprise, as have others in the county. Pledges here, amount, I think, to something over two hundred dollars.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Otsego, Mich., July 28, 1873.