p. 46 | MICHIGAN by E. R. Jones

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 8, 1877

MICHIGAN

By E. R. Jones

During the month of January, Bro. I. A. Olmstead and myself visited, and held meetings with the churches at Napoleon, Jackson, Spring Arbor, Hillsdale, Ransom, Jefferson, Adrian, Eaton Rapids, Potterville, and Quincy. The object before us in these meetings was to arrange Systematic Benevolence for the year 1877, to instruct and help our brethren with reference to tract and missionary work, to settle difficulties and remove trials where such existed, and to encourage and strengthen by preaching to them the word of truth.

To all the meetings at the above-named places the friends turned out well, and when there was preaching their neighbors and friends came in quite freely except at Potterville, where the weather being severe but few attended besides the members of the church.

All who came gave the best of attention to what was preached, and the cheerful testimonies of our friends told plainly that they still loved the precious things of the word of the Lord. By the earnest invitations of both our brethren and those outside to remain longer or return soon, there was manifested a deep desire to hear further on the soul-stirring theme of the third angel’s message and kindred truths. The Lord gave much freedom in declaring them to the people.

The meetings at Jefferson in their results were very encouraging. The blessing of the Lord was with his people from the first meeting to the last. Peculiar trials have well nigh destroyed this church. The persistent efforts of an individual not a member of the church, to divide, distract, and destroy their peace, has troubled them very much. Satan has his agents through whom he works, and there is no doubt in the minds of our friends at Jefferson and those who have endeavored to help them, that this person is one of that class; and the course pursued by him will justify the application of Paul’s words, “O full of all subtlety and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?” The church by a rising expression pledged before God and to each other that they would not give ear to his words, or in any way be influenced by him hereafter. If they are faithful to their vow, they will escape all trouble from this source in the future.

In all the business that was done in every place we visited, the willingness on the part of all to act was truly gratifying. Not having had much to do with the arranging of S. B. previous to this, the idea had by some means existed in my mind that it took a good deal of urging to get the people to come up to the plan, and that when they did act, it would be in such a way as almost to make one think that it was directly opposite to what the apostle taught in 2 Cor. 9:7. It was with something of a feeling of dread that this part of the allotted work was commenced. How quickly were all fears dispelled by the willing, cheerful action of all upon Systematic Benevolence, also the added one-third for the T. and M. work! Says the apostle, “If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.” There was no urging, no murmuring, “they were willing of themselves,” and this soon became a very pleasant part of the work to be accomplished.

The willing sacrifice of some who were really poor caused the tears to start, and deeply impressed a sense of the obligation to touch with careful, consecrated hands money thus cast into the treasury of the Lord.

The friends feel very grateful for the careful management and sound judgment of Bro. Olmstead in the settlement of difficulties and for his timely advice.

I parted with Bro. O. at Coldwater, Jan. 29, he to go home, I to a new field of labor. I have now commenced a series of meetings at Hall’s Corners, with a good hearing. I am of good courage. For the present my P. O. address will be California, Branch Co., Mich.

E. R. JONES.

Feb. 1.