MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 7, 1878

Labor among the Churches.

Having closed our series of meetings at Ravenna, we came, on Jan. 21, to Wright, Ottawa Co., with a view to laboring with this church. Our first meeting was held in this place on the evening of Jan. 23d, and our last on Sunday, Jan. 28. Fortunately, the brethren in Ravenna are situated so near this place that a large portion of them have been able to be present at our services here, and, by this means, have had the benefit of the meetings in both places.

The church at Wright is one of the oldest and largest in the State. Its members, at present, number ninety-two, in all. Many of them, however, reside in other counties and are heard from only as they report by letter. The membership is composed largely of substantial farmers, and one of the best features in their past history and present condition, is found in the fact that they have been, and are still, free from everything like church trials and divisions. What they seemed to need above everything else, was an awakening to fresh experience and activity in the things of God. We labored, therefore, to this end, and our efforts were not in vain, since the Lord condescended to pour out his Spirit upon the people in a manner which was calculated to encourage all present. Several who had backslidden were reclaimed, and others started anew in the service of God; nearly the whole church, also, by repeated movements, consecrated themselves fully to the service of God.

On Sunday we were called upon to preach the funeral discourse of Justus Ferguson, one of the oldest residents of the town. On that occasion the congregation was so large that the house of worship was incapable of seating all of them. We think it is safe to say that there were between five and six hundred persons in attendance.

On Monday we returned to Allegan, where it will be well for those who at any time may wish to communicate with us, to address their letters, since they will be forwarded from this place to any point where we may labor in the future.

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

Twin Lakes, Jan. 21.

I went to Muskegon, Jan. 9, and staid there a few days. Visited among the Scandinavians and sold or gave away tracts to all I visited. One family seemed to be interested in the truth. The families I visited were very friendly, and seemed to be much interested to read our tracts.

There was no opening for me to hold meetings in Muskegon, so I came to Twin Lakes. I have now held six meetings here. A Methodist family have taken a decided stand for the truth. An old lady who is a spiritualist has been shaken in her faith, and now wishes to obtain a knowledge of the whole truth. Others are interested. The principal merchant in the place, who is also a physician, admits that we are right, and defends the truth, but has not yet taken a decided stand for it. His wife, who once received the truth, but had given it up, met with us last Sabbath and bore testimony in favor of the truth.

Some are opposed. One night they hid the key of the school-house. But the next evening, before meeting time, a man left the key with the lady of the house in which I am staying, asking her not to say anything about it. Since that time no one has hindered our meetings. Last evening I had a large and attentive congregation. I hold my meetings in English, as there are no Scandinavians here.

I have hopes that others will take a stand for the truth. I have sold books and tracts for $2.50, and obtained three subscribers for our papers. I have invitations from many places to come and preach the truth. Time is short, and Jesus will soon appear. Let us watch and pray, and be armed with the sword of the Spirit, that we may be able to resist the wiles of the enemy. I ask the prayers of all God’s people.

GUSTAF A. CARLSTEDT.