Greenville, Mich by A. S. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 28, 1873

Greenville, Mich.

By A. S. Hutchins

I have been in this section nearly two weeks. Some eighty brethren and sisters have attended our meetings each Sabbath, some coming a long distance to meet with us. One sister said she had not heard preaching before for four years. Our social meetings have been indeed encouraging. The first Sabbath I was here, there were seventy-three testimonies given in about that number of minutes.

But there is a more pleasing feature than this, which inspires our hearts with hope and courage of brighter days for this and other churches in this section. The work of God is manifestly settling deeper into the hearts of his dear people. The counsel to the Laodiceans is taking hold of the lukewarm. I trust they will heed it; that they will buy the “gold tried in the fire,” and be rich in good works. Old pilgrims, who have been long in the way, can see that there is for them, a higher attainment in the spiritual life. Oh! that this transforming power of the truth and Spirit of God might be experienced by every one of us who has a connection with the present truth. Oh! that we might feel for the salvation of souls around us as we should.

Last week, in company with Bro. Fargo, I spent one night at the Danish settlement. Found the friends in this section, except the sick, convened at the house of Bro. Larsen, to whom I spoke from Acts 10: 34, 35. Brotherly love and Christian union unite their believing hearts. They hold the truths of the Bible as presented to them at first, by Bro. John Matteson, as very choice; and appear to be trying to walk in the light as it shines upon their pathway. They spoke with earnestness of their desire to overcome, and to be prepared to meet the Saviour when he comes.

In their devotions, in their own tongue, we could much better understand the Spirit witnessing to God’s approval than we could their language. In this, they have decidedly the advantage of us, as they can not only understand quite well our language, but they also know the good Spirit which attends the message we bear.

Last night, we held a meeting for celebrating the ordinances of the Lord’s house. One was added to the church, and I think all were benefited as we commemorated the matchless love of Jesus. Next Sabbath, I expect to be at Bushnell.

Old friends here deeply sympathize with Bro. and sister White, in their affliction, and would most gladly welcome them here again. May the Lord bless them with strength to once more fill their place in the work they have ever held so dear, and for which they have suffered so much.

A. S. HUTCHINS.

Oct. 20, 1873.