p. 6 | Meetings in Michigan by P. Strong

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 16, 1874

Meetings in Michigan.

By P. Strong

The sickness and death of my companion kept me from labor most of the time during the past year.

Jan. 10, I commenced meetings in Ravenna, Muskegon Co. Bro. Burrill had labored here some, and some were keeping the Sabbath. I remained with them till Feb. 15, holding meetings in two districts. Baptized eight, and organized a church of nineteen members. Eleven others are asking for the watchcare of the church, making a band of thirty, and still there are nearly twenty others who keep the Sabbath and meet with them. I hope that they will soon see a necessity of a reformation of life that they may all unite together in this work. Organized Systematic Benevolence amounting to $139.28. Being near the church of Wright, it was thought best for the present that they stand as a branch of that church, holding their separate meetings, and joining with them in their monthly meetings.

Held two meetings with the friends in Wright, Feb. 15, 16. Feb. 21 and 22, attended quarterly meeting in Orleans; and, by advice of the committee, Feb. 27, I joined Bro. St. John in Hillsdale Co., and labored with him a few days. He soon went to Ohio, while I remained to carry on the work. I remained in that county laboring in different districts till April 22. Baptized four, and six united with the Ransom church. I reviewed three discourses against the Sabbath and messages; and if strong assertions and character blackening are to be taken as proof and argument, my opponent had the case. It was encouraging to us that two of his brethren, who have known and heard him for twenty years, united with us on the truth and in church fellowship.

I spent two Sabbaths with the friends in Quincy. Much interest was manifested to hear. A lot has been purchased, and labor commenced on a meeting-house.

May 8 and 9, held two meetings at Kendall. The Lord has wrought a good work here through Bro. Kenyon, and my heart was made to rejoice over the testimony of my sister, who has just commenced keeping the Sabbath. Thus in a few short months I have been called to weep over the death of my companion and one sister, and to rejoice over the conversion of another sister.

May 13 and 14, held two meetings with the church of Leighton. Since I was here three years ago, some have been added. May 16 and 17, again met with the friends in Ravenna; had three very interesting meetings. The cause is onward here; others wished to take advance steps with us. May 23, spent with the friends in Bushnell. Here, as in other places, some have set their faces toward Egypt. Egypt, in Rev. 11:8, is represented as a place, spiritually, where our Lord was crucified. And if our brethren, in joining the secret lodges of the day, for the love of money and a brotherhood with the world, are not facing toward Egypt, where, then, are they going? Michigan is fast organizing into lodges. And at present in the country, it is impossible to hold a full congregation on lodge nights, and some of our brethren prefer the lodge. There are many objections to, and reasons why, Seventh-day Adventists should not join them.

May 30, attended the quarterly meeting at Vergennes. There was quite a large gathering. Some very encouraging reports were given at the T. & M. meeting. P. STRONG.