REPORT FROM BRO. STRONG.
By Philip Strong
Since my last report, Oct. 14, I have again visited Duplain, and found that my return was none too soon. Having been in Gratiot eight weeks, the enemy took some advantage of our absence, and brought darkness to the minds of some; and this, too, from a source that we least expected. Oh! when will visiting brethren and sisters learn wisdom, and keep their darkness to themselves, if they will visit. To such I would say, it would be better to obey Paul: “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, . . . that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Tit. ii, 15. But the Lord blessed our labor on the Sabbath, the 19th, and the little flock are cheered to go on still. Spent the next Sabbath and first-day also with them, and the time between, visiting. Nov. 2, met the Gratiot churches in Quarterly Meeting in Alma. Meetings commenced with the Sabbath. Sabbath morning had covenant-meeting at half-past nine, followed by preaching, after which three united with the church by vote, and eight moved forward in baptism. Meeting again in the afternoon and evening, in which most moved forward in the solemn ordinance of the Lord’s supper. It was a time long to be remembered. Sunday, Nov. 3, held two meetings, and as their numbers are on the increase, it was thought advisable to choose a deacon to help Bro. Nelson in his labors. Had three meetings through the week, and spent the days in visiting from house to house. Nov. 9, Sabbath, preached Bro. Huntington’s funeral discourse, who died while I was away. He embraced the truth under Brn. Van Horn and Canright’s labors, and has tried to walk humbly before God since. At the close of this meeting, one was disfellowshipped for Sabbath-breaking, and two received by letter. Steps were then taken to establish a Tuesday-night prayer-meeting. Nov. 10, Sunday evening, held meeting in Ithaca. This closes our meetings in Gratiot Co. May the good work of reform still go on, till all are united in perfect brotherly love. From this place I came on to join labors with Bro. Cornell, as reported in Review. Our present field of labor does not look very bright, but we hope for light and fruit. We were favored Sunday with two discourses against us, called, “Death in the pot.” 2 Kings iv, 40. Bro. Cornell replies to them next Sunday evening.