Tennessee, Indiana, and Michigan.
By E. B. Lane
It has been a long time since my last report, yet I have not been idle. In my closing tent labor last summer, I was admonished by soreness of lungs that I must desist from constant effort. I therefore spent the winter in Wisconsin, pursuing my studies, and doing what I was able among the churches until New Year's; when, by the doctor's advice, I ceased preaching almost entirely. Our meetings with the Wisconsin brethren will long be remembered; quite a number were reclaimed and, I trust, hopefully converted. All of our meetings were characterized by the converting power of God's Spirit, of which all seemed to partake. I returned to Battle Creek, attended General Conference, and spent a few weeks at the Health Institute, where I received much benefit. Feeling able to resume labor, in May I went to Tennessee, and stayed about two weeks. I preached seventeen discourses in ten days, and attended baptism. Seven were baptized, one more was prevented by sickness. We left a church of thirteen. Several made their first start in these meetings. We left them all in good courage, and have since learned that they are pressing on. I found the interest to hear about where I left it two years ago. I occupied the Edgefield Junction depot as before, and it was quite often crowded. Two years ago, but five were keeping the Sabbath. Six others embraced it shortly after I left, and one, within the past winter; another, during my last visit. One or two more are keeping the Sabbath who have not yet united with us. Before I returned home, I received a letter from Alabama which will doubtless be of interest to all. A southerner left the rebel service, and fought in the Union army, in which he lost his eyesight, and was discharged. By a train of circumstances he became acquainted with, and embraced, the S. D. A. doctrines. He returned to Alabama deprived of sight, without books or tracts. He talked the truth to others, and now there are seventeen there who are keeping the Sabbath. They desire to hear a course of lectures, read our tracts, and be organized, and have offered to defray the traveling expenses of a minister to come and labor among them. I believe the south to be a good field of labor. On my way home I enjoyed many good meetings with the churches in Indiana. Baptized seven there. God's Spirit seemed to be with us, to break our hearts and give us penitent feelings. At the family altars and in our prayer-meetings many were broken down and wept before God. Several of these occasions, I can never forget. Nine weeks past we have been with the Michigan tent in Armada, Macomb Co. No opposition came from the public desk till within the past two weeks. Two discourses have been given against the Sabbath question. Our reviews were attended by double, or more, than attended the discourses; hundreds were out to hear, and listened with great attention. Our meetings here have been well attended all the way through. I have never engaged in a course of lectures where the attendance was better. Quite a large number have decided to obey the truth. Next week, we start the tent for camp-meeting. I have never felt greater courage or faith in the truths of the third angel's message than now. I desire to be humbled, sanctified, and saved by them. E. B. LANE. Armada, Mich., Aug. 22, 1873.