Labor in Northern Michigan.
By R. J. Lawrence
At the earnest request of Bro. Corliss to accompany him to his former field of labor, I met him and Bro. Trim at Owasso, who took me to his house near Fremont, Shiawassee Co., on Wednesday, September 17. We were here six days. Held nine meetings, with good freedom; visited several families, and went to the Shiawassee river, where two willing converts were baptized. In the evening, met again, and after explanation had been given of a gospel church and gospel order, and the qualifications and duties of officers, a church of six was organized. Bro. Trim was chosen elder, and Bro. Olmstead, clerk. There are several more here who are much interested, and we hope will soon take their stand with God’s people. A bad influence has been left here by one who has labored here. We hope it may not prove fatal to any. We came from Fremont to Williams, Bay Co., September 24. There was a small church of six members raised up here, a few years since, but they had got into difficulty, and were so divided that for a time they had held no meetings. Bro. Corliss came in here and commenced meetings. Soon their difficulties were removed and union restored. Others became interested, so that now there are sixteen members. We held, in all, seven meetings, three in Williams, three in Kawkawlin—five miles north-east, and one in Jay. Afterward, six were baptized in the Tittabawassee river, witnessed by a large audience. Thursday, October 1, we came to Vernon, Isabella Co., and held a meeting in the evening. Friday, Bro. Finissy brought us to Grant, Clair Co. Here some twenty had commenced to keep the Sabbath under Bro. Corliss’ labors, but, on account of the straightness of the way and opposition of friends, many of them have given up. We held here five meetings; went to Beaver Creek, two miles distant, dammed up the stream, and six were baptized. We then returned to the school-house, where a church of six was organized, and Bro. Green was chosen elder. Some, who were much opposed when the lectures were given, are becoming friendly, and are inquiring after the truth. Oh! may their prejudices all give way so that the light can shine into their hearts in all of its beauty, and cause them to obey. Monday, the 6th of October, we returned to Vernon, and held a meeting in the evening. The seventh, we came to Clair, where I took the train for this place, and Bro. and sister Corliss for Grand Traverse. May the Lord be with them and prosper their labors, is my prayer.