Ionia, Co., Mich by E. Van Deusen

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 2, 1875

Ionia, Co., Mich.

By E. Van Deusen

At the close of our tent labor at Hubbardston, I went north to Carson City and vicinity to attend to matters relative to the cause. It being a very busy part of the season (harvest), we could hold but few meetings on week days, so I visited from house to house, trying to help and encourage the brethren.

At North Shade, a class of fourteen members was organized, with Systematic Benevolence to the amount of $23. A Sabbath-school of about twenty members was also organized. Brn. J. and R. Sisley labored at this place last spring, and some of the believers here received the truth as the result of their labors.

At Spring Brook, organized a class of eleven members, with S. B. to the amount of $36; and a Sabbath-school of twenty-four members. I then returned to Carson City and assisted the brethren in arranging their S. B., they having heretofore been connected with the Matherton church. The amount of their S. B. is $61.

These churches may expect to stand in the favor of God if they will observe the following rules:—

Never be absent from prayer and social meetings without the best of reasons, and go, not to be a hearer only, but to take part in the exercises.
Let the same rule apply to Sabbath-school duties.
“Be at peace among yourselves.”
Pay S. B. when due, if possible. Consider yourselves under the most solemn obligation to God in this matter. The church or person that allows this duty to become a secondary affair will surely lose by such a course.

Arrived at this place Aug. 8, and found a good interest, and Bro. Burrill in excellent spirits. The truth has found some of the honest, and they are rejoicing in it. The Lord is working for his cause; to him be all the praise.

E. VAN DEUSEN.

Muir, Mich., Aug. 16, 1875.