MICHIGAN by E. R. Jones

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 6, 1876

MICHIGAN

By E. R. Jones

During the greater part of the month of January, I attended meetings in Calhoun and Eaton Counties. On the evenings of the 25th and 26th, by earnest invitation, I spoke on the two great leading features of our faith to quite a large company of intelligent people assembled in a private house in the city of Jackson. They gave good attention, and seemed deeply interested. I have since learned that some of them have commenced to observe the Sabbath of the Lord.

Jan. 27, went to Flint, where for three weeks following, with the exception of preaching five times at Richfield, I labored earnestly in connection with Bro. Lamson for the settlement of serious difficulties which had divided and distracted the church. The nature of the case was such that disorganization was absolutely necessary. For some time it seemed that our work of weary months of toil and tears was utterly ruined; but by the blessing of the Lord we succeeded beyond our expectations. I believe that this company, though some reduced in number, is stronger now, and I have high hopes of their prosperity.

By the urgent request of Bro. R. T. Sisley, I came to Caledonia Center, Feb. 18, to assist him; he having been fiercely assailed by the man who once held a discussion with Eld. E. B. Lane, at Potterville. Commenced meetings the following evening, and continued them, with the exception of every other Sunday night, till March 2. The excitement was great and the opposition was the bitterest and meanest I ever experienced. It showed itself publicly in three discourses given by this man, the greater part of which was revilings and expressions of vulgar wit, which disgusted all his hearers except those of his own class.

An effort was made to close the house against us; but the people, the majority of whom were in our favor, would not allow it. The more intelligent part of the community were deeply interested in the truth, but still did not seem to move, and I began to fear that not a single soul would accept the truth as the result of this effort. I felt burdened; and on the last Sabbath made an earnest appeal to them to decide then in favor of the truth, as it was, without doubt, the most favorable opportunity, and might be the last one, they would ever have. The Spirit of the Lord seemed to be striving with them. Five arose, declaring their intention to walk in the truth. Others afterward came, and said they had made up their minds to keep the Sabbath and be Christians, making twelve who have fully decided to obey the commandments of God.

Bro. S. remains to visit, talk and pray with them, which will, I think, add others to their number.

I have now commenced a series of meetings on Grand Prairie, near Kalamazoo. At the first meeting I was bitterly opposed by the leader and some of the converts of a late so-called revival. The people are intelligent and enterprising, and we shall labor earnestly that good may be accomplished here.

E. R. JONES.

Kalamazoo, Mich., March 25, 1876.