RESULT OF MISSIONARY WORK.
By M. J. S.
The missionary work which was entered into by some of the members of the T. & M. Society near Potterville, Eaton Co., Mich., is still increasing in interest. The Sabbath-school and Bible-class have now closed their third quarter, with a membership of forty-four. There have been nearly three thousand verses recited during the past quarter, by the two classes of children, numbering twenty-six. But what rejoices our hearts more than all else, is, that God's holy word has not only been treasured in the mind, but has reached the hearts of some of these dear children, and we now see them trying to form Christian characters. The last Sabbath of the old year was a season never to be forgotten. The Lord came very near to us, as earnest prayer was offered, and weeping was heard all around the room. There was no excitement, but solemn, earnest pleading with God, that this might be the glad hour when these children would yield their hearts to him. Fathers and mothers, who had led prayerless lives until within a few months, were now, with tears, pleading with their children to go with them in the service of the Lord. Nor was it in vain. Fourteen of the children arose and spoke for the first time, saying they wanted to be Christians, and keep all of God's commandments. Thus closed the school, the last Sabbath of 1873; and as we parted with these dear friends for another week we felt that the Lord's hand was set to this work, and that we should see fruit of this effort. Soon, a desire was expressed by those who had recently started in the service of the Lord that they might have a weekly prayer-meeting. The appointment was given out, and their neighbors, from one to two miles distant, were invited to attend. The attendance was good, ranging from twenty-eight to forty, and this, not in a village, but in a place where from the house in which the meetings were held you could count but two houses. Through the woods they came, young people, and those of middle age, until the room was full. Some who had never attended before came to the prayer-meetings; and as different ones spoke, confessing their past wrong course and asking forgiveness, telling their determination to lead different lives, it affected the hearts of some present. The remark was made, “There must be something to this,” such a change was apparent. Instead of the balls and parties which had been attended by some in this neighborhood the winter before, it is now the prayer-meeting. In families where God's name had been taken in vain, the altar of prayer is now erected. Morning and evening, parents and children join together, asking help from the Lord to do right. As the numbers increased in the Sabbath-school, it was thought best to ask the privilege of occupying the district school-house, one mile from the place where we formerly met. This was kindly granted us. Others are attending, and an interest is manifested to learn the truth. Sabbath and Sunday, April 11 and 12, Eld. S. N. Haskell being at Potterville, some of the friends had the opportunity of hearing one of our ministers speak for the first time. An opportunity was also given for baptism. Nine presented themselves as candidates, and wished to be taken under the watchcare of the church. There were six of one family. The father, mother, two brothers, and two sisters, all these were of the family who had come to years of accountability, except one older brother. There were others who wished to be baptized, but sickness prevented. A desire is expressed by those who were baptized (though nothing was said to them personally) to earn their dollar and become members of the Tract Society, to be enabled to send tracts to their friends. Their hearts go out after others as did the hearts of the first disciples of our Lord, and though very poor, they think they can deny themselves in some things as the little girl denied herself of her breakfast so as to be able to put something into the treasury of the Lord. Those who have united their interest with us as a people, who formerly used tobacco, have laid it aside, and feel that a “victory has been gained.” They are interested in health reform. These subjects have not been pressed upon them. It has seemed as though the dear Saviour was gently leading them himself. Truly, happy are we who are permitted to see what our eyes have seen, and feel what our hearts have felt. We know that it is the Lord's work, and that “it is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord.” The little children are interested in the work. One little boy eight years old asked one younger (who had praying parents) if he would tell him how to pray. He told him to ask the Lord for just what he wanted. He said he would, and as his mother had erected the family altar, he has since prayed with her. Our hearts swell with gratitude to our Heavenly Father for his blessing that has attended so humble an effort, and we still pray that others may be brought to keep all God's commandments and embrace the religion of Jesus Christ.