MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 24, 1878

Labor Among the Churches.

JANUARY 4 to 9, inclusive, we spent at Monterey, Mich., by invitation of the elder of that church. It was hoped that by bestowing several days’ labor upon the church at this time, good might be accomplished. The result proved that the meetings were timely. Seldom, in my experience, has God accomplished more for us in so short a time. Three individuals, who had been temporarily disconnected from the church, again united themselves with it, much to the satisfaction of the brethren. Other hindrances to the advancement of the cause were speedily removed, as the spirit of confession and reconciliation was admitted into the hearts of those who desired to act in harmony with the teachings of the Christian religion. The last evening but one before we left the place, we held a business meeting, which, though held in reference to matters exceedingly difficult to manage, was characterized by most perfect order and good will. The last evening before our departure was devoted to prayer and social meeting, in which all took part with a readiness and spirit which was indeed refreshing.

From January 9 to 16 we were in Allegan. On January 12 and 13 the regular quarterly T. and M. society meeting was held in this place. We remained through these meetings, because the occasion was felt to be one of importance to the cause in this vicinity. Much to the satisfaction of all present, Eld. U. Smith was in attendance, and delivered three discourses with great acceptance, not only to the members of the church, but also to those present who differed in their opinions with the speaker. Brethren were in attendance in considerable numbers from Douglas, Otsego, Monterey, Clyde, and Plainwell, and on Sunday afternoon, greatly to the gratification of the church in Allegan, which had made special efforts to advertise the meeting, our house of worship was filled with an intelligent and deeply interested congregation. With this service the exercises closed, leaving an excellent impression, and those of our people who were in attendance returned to their homes greatly cheered, and very hopeful for the future.

W. H. LITTLEJOHN.

M. S. BURNHAM.

Meetings in Dists. 10 and 13.

I HAVE now, for the second time, gone over the greater part of Dists. 10 and 13 of the Michigan T. and M. Society. The object of this last effort was to finish the work which I could not accomplish at the first. I have put forth every effort to do my work faithfully and well, so as to win the approbation of the Master, and also meet the minds of his people. Have had freedom in preaching, and the word spoken has usually been well received by all who heard.

The most of the brethren and sisters have done nobly on systematic benevolence, while a few, in all of the oldest churches where I have gone, have staid away from the S. B. meetings, so that they would not be called upon to pledge; these, in nearly every case, have been persons of considerable means. Their course has been a source of grief to me and to the church. It is a shame for those who profess to love the truth to thus do. It plainly shows that their love is not sincere. 2 Cor. 8:8. They have forgotten that “God loveth a cheerful giver,” or they care nothing for these words.

E. R. JONES.

Muskegon.

DURING the holidays I held meetings in Whitehall, and obtained one subscriber for the REFORMER and one for the HAROLD.

I came to Muskegon, Jan. 8. Have visited most of the Swedish, and some Danish, families, and sold or given away tracts and papers at every house. The prejudice here is very strong. One of the families I visited seemed very intelligent. The husband, who is a builder by trade, had been a sailor thirty-two years and knew several languages. He received me very kindly, and we had a long conversation about the truth. He reasoned quite correctly on many points. I gave him some tracts and a copy of the HAROLD. Others, professing to be very good Christians, hardly dare to read our papers, they are so afraid that they shall be seduced.

I shall go into the country to-morrow.

GUSTAF A. CARLSTEDT.