p. 33 | SOUTHERN MICHIGAN by M. B. Miller

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 3, 1876

SOUTHERN MICHIGAN.

By M. B. Miller

I have not reported for some time, but it is not because I have not been at work in the good cause.

By earnest request, I attended a quarterly meeting at Parkville, in November. The outside interest was such that it was thought best to continue the meetings. The attendance was good, but we did not see the immediate results of our labor that we had hoped to see; yet the meetings accomplished some good. Three were voted into the church. Systematic Benevolence was raised from $100 to $175, per year, and we think that this sum will be increased when they hear from some that live at a distance. This increase was accomplished by securing pledges from some who had not been paying, and by others, who had property, coming up to the Bible plan of giving.

At present the members of this church are few and scattered. They have a very good meeting-house, but there is no male member that feels as though he could accept any responsibility in the church, even to the conducting of meetings on the Sabbath. It is therefore difficult for them to sustain regular worship, and meetings have not been kept up for the past year. During this time, they have had no help except on one occasion when Bro. L. A. Olmstead met with them.

I have been thus particular in reporting the facts concerning this church, that those who labor in word and doctrine, whose duty it is to visit churches, may not forget this one. There is a house of worship here, and brethren will come together if due notice is given. Some friends will come in from the village and vicinity. Why not remember Parkville?

Jan. 15 and 16, was with the church in Bronson. Here we learned, that, though not receiving the Appeal, they entered heartily into an observance of the fast, even to the children. It was a good time for them.

During our meetings we read the Appeal to them. This and the preaching of the word took deep hold on them. In our social meeting tears flowed from eyes that we never saw moistened before. Some that started with us when the tent was here, but have since given up the Sabbath, are now finding their way back with us. May the Lord lead them to the full reception of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

The Systematic Benevolence of this church was considered, and raised from about $50.00 to $70.88.

Tuesday evening, Jan. 18, we commenced a course of lectures in the Factoryville school-house. We are having a good attendance. Being about seven miles from Colon, we met with brethren there last Sabbath. The Lord met with us by his Holy Spirit. Our hearts were softened, and tears flowed freely as we spoke on the proper observance of the Sabbath, from Isa. 58:13, 14. How timely the Appeal on this point and the fast. M. B. MILLER.

Factoryville, Jan. 24, 1876.