p. 182 | MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 6, 1877

MICHIGAN

Labor Among the Churches.

On the morning of the 16th of November, we took the cars at Allegan for Douglas, on the lake shore, where there is a small church of Seventh-day Adventists. We remained in that place until Nov. 19, holding meetings on Sabbath and Sunday.

As yet, this little church is compelled to meet on the Sabbath in a private house, being unable to erect a church edifice. As we spoke to the little group gathered in the parlor of this building, we were reminded of the apostolic reference to the church which was in the house of Priscilla and Aquila at Rome; and we asked ourselves whether those who put forth the labor required to keep a house in order, which is employed for such purposes week after week, will not be rewarded in that better world whose more genial climate will render church edifices unnecessary.

On the first day of the week, through the kindness of the pastor of the Methodist church, we were permitted to assemble in their house of worship for an afternoon service. The turnout on this occasion was quite large, and the people gave close attention to the word spoken.

Judging from the tenderness of heart manifested by our brethren there, in their prayers and their testimonies, the church would seem to be, so far as spiritual matters are concerned, in a comparatively prosperous condition. As another evidence of their spiritual thrift, it might be stated that we found them ready to respond to our efforts to arouse them to an unusual activity in the tract and missionary work. If union and charity shall continue to abide with them, we anticipate that they will eventually be increased in numbers.

We spent Sabbath and Sunday, Nov. 24 and 25, with the church of Leighton, which is located in the township of that name in the northern part of Allegan County. We were met there with a hearty welcome, because of the fact that they had been the recipients of very little ministerial labor for several years past. Their place of meeting—as is the case with many of our churches in the interior—is the district school-house. It is probable that some day, not far in the future, they will erect for themselves a small meeting-house in the village of Wayland, which is a point quite central to them all.

As we inquired into their circumstances, and witnessed the good spirit manifested in their social meetings, we were happily disappointed in finding them in a better condition than could have been anticipated. They number, in all, some over twenty members. While this number would appear to be small as compared with our largest churches, there are, nevertheless, many isolated companies of Sabbath-keepers not so large even as this one. The impression has some way obtained that they were badly divided, and alienated from one another by personal misunderstandings and church differences. This impression, we were glad to learn, is erroneous. So far as we could ascertain, they have been heretofore, and are now, quite well united.

The greatest lack we could discover in them at the present, was found in the matters of paying systematic, taking the publications, and engaging in the tract and missionary work. To those subjects we gave our attention while among them, and we shall feel very much disappointed if in the future they shall not amend by pledging to the systematic fund, and engaging with earnestness in the work of getting the truth before their neighbors. While there we obtained several signers for the REVIEW, and others assured us that they should subscribe for the paper, and forward the money to the Office soon. On Sunday, though the weather was threatening, and the roads very bad, the house was well filled with those who seemed inclined to give us a candid hearing.

With this meeting the round of labor in this district, with especial reference to the tract and missionary work, is completed. On the whole, we feel grateful for the results attained, and thankful for the manifestations of God’s favor which have attended our efforts.

W. H. LITTLEJOHN. M. S. BURNHAM.

Dist. No. 6, Mich. T. and M. Society.

Nov. 22, we were with the West Plains church and organized S. B. and the T. and M. fund for 1878. We found them ready to do their duty.

The 24th and 25th, we met with the church at Greenville. The brethren and sisters came in from West Plains and Lakeview. The Sabbath meetings were quite free. This church has paid up the S. B. and one-third, and all were ready to carry this plan into 1878.

It was a source of great pleasure to us all to see Bro. Fargo so far recovered from his long illness as to be present and assist at this meeting.

We were at Orleans the 26th and 27th. The church were ready to come fully up on all points, and we believe that it is on account of their willingness to do, that the Lord is turning the minds of their neighbors to the truth. There is an opening here for some one to hold a series of meetings.

Wednesday, the 28th, we met with the church at Vergennes. The church here have followed the tithing plan, and the result is that their tithes are far more than their pledges. They came up on all parts of the work for 1878. Here, as at Orleans, is an opening for labor. These churches are among the first in Michigan.

The 29th, we spent at Saranac. This is a young church, and they have not fully known how to work; but we find a willingness on the part of nearly all to do all they can. Their pledges have been raised considerably for the coming year.

At these meetings, we have endeavored to have our people take our periodicals and have met with good success. This is a very important part of the T. and M. work. Those who do not have them soon begin to lose their interest in the work.

A. O. BURRELL. FRANKLIN HOWE.

Gowen, Nov. 25.

I came to this place the 8th inst. The Lord has greatly blessed beyond our expectations. One aged Baptist minister has attended the meetings, and with tears in his eyes says, “God knows I was honest in the observance of the first day.” He says he is satisfied on the Sabbath question. Others have expressed themselves in a similar way. Men that have never been interested in religious meetings are attending every night. Pray for us. E. VAN DEUSEN.