p. 7 | MICHIGAN by R. T. Sisley

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 4, 1877

MICHIGAN

By R. T. Sisley

After having rendered brother John some assistance in Delhi, I started Nov. 6th to find an opening to labor farther north. Staid at Greenville, to consult Eld. Fargo. It was soon decided that I should give a course of lectures six miles north-east of Greenville at the Brown school-house. While the appointment was being circulated, I held a few meetings with the friends on West Plains. Commenced to lecture in the Brown school-house Nov. 17th, and gave twenty-five discourses.

From the first of our meetings, a very bitter spirit was manifested by the members of the church, composed of a combination of Methodists and Free-Will Baptists. They sent for Eld. Stafford, thinking he would soon upset all that had been said. He showed a very bitter spirit, calling us disturbers of the peace, a curse to the neighborhood, and heretics. These strong expressions were thought, by some, to be uncalled for, while the church members felt highly delighted with the tirade. His discourse was reviewed, omitting that part which was unworthy of notice on account of its meanness, in the evening, before a full house, to the satisfaction of all but his special friends, who were much displeased to see his arguments before the clear light of God’s Word.

The following Tuesday evening, a lecture was to be given by Prof. Tompkins; but he, for some cause, did not come. It was proposed that I should occupy the time, upon which the church members left the house under full sail. After they left the house, I commenced to speak, but the noise made by those who had withdrawn, was so great I could hardly think, or the people hear. This confusion lasted about half an hour. Mr. Underwood, a very influential man, desiring peace, gently remonstrated with them, upon which their leader took off his coat, threatening to whip him.

The next step in the opposition was the circulation of a petition to close the house against us. A majority of the voters was obtained, and Dec. 9th the school-house was closed.

The following evening, Sunday, Elds. Stafford and Smith each gave a discourse on the Christian Sabbath. When they had finished speaking, I asked for the privilege of speaking for a short time, which they would not grant. As soon as the benediction was pronounced, I commenced to speak, in order to show how basely they had misrepresented the views held by our people, as well as to make apparent the weakness of their position. Not more than two or three sentences were uttered, when there went up a shout “Get out of here!” “Let us roll him in the snow!” They started for me; and, as the foremost one was about to seize me, Mr. Underwood, the school-director, caught hold of him. He then turned upon him badly scratching his face and neck and kicking his shins. A real mob ensued so that I had to give up reviewing their remarks. The sisters of the church also took an active part, declaring that I had no right to preach in that neighborhood. I think I was never in so warm a place before. These people claim to have the kingdom of God set up in their hearts. If this was a manifestation of it, I hope the same will never be set up within me.

Does not this seem something like the dragon voice, when two ministers can get up and misrepresent the doctrines held by others; and, if one who presented those views, endeavors to say something in their defense, he must be shut up, or rolled in the snow? Is not the dragon wroth with the woman, and has he not commenced a warfare upon the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ? Is it not an indication that we are near the end, when we can see the prophecies relating to that period fulfilled before our eyes? Has not the time come when they will not endure sound doctrine?

Some good has been accomplished by these meetings, as some have decided favorably, and we hope that others, who are much interested, will soon find their way out of the labyrinth of error. Dr. Chaffee has rendered valuable assistance during the meetings.

R. T. SISLEY. Lakeview, Montcalm Co., Mich.