MICHIGAN

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

Labor among the Churches.

Feb. 18 we left Quincy for Orleans. We remained with the brethren in that place something more than one week. The object of our visit was to assist Eld. J. O. Corliss, who had been laboring there assiduously for something more than two months. The interest, from the beginning to the end of his meetings, had been remarkably good as was evidenced by steady attendance on the part of the people during the whole of the time. When tested, however, in the crucible of obedience it was found to lack those characteristics which belong to a deep and thorough heart-work. In the end it became evident that the great majority of those who had listened so long and so attentively to the preaching of the word, were, like the hearers of Paul at Athens, inclined to hear and tell some new thing rather than to obey the light when once it had become visible. Only nine finally decided to accept the truth. The brethren had manifested a most commendable zeal to make the meetings a success, even erecting temporary shelter for teams, to secure an attendance in stormy weather.

We trust that the few who have concluded to obey God will prove to be so devoted, and so energetic in his service, that the brethren will feel compensated for their sacrifices, and Bro. Corliss for his labors. If but one of the souls should be saved the joy which he will experience in the eternal ages, will be of infinitely more value than all the labor put forth by human instrumentalities in bringing him to Christ.

W. H. Littlejohn. M. S. Burnham.

Newton.

Our meeting in Newton, held Feb. 16 and 17, was one of interest. Eld. Strong, Congregational minister, had given notice of the meeting in two different congregations, requesting his hearers to attend and promising to do so himself. He was present on the Sabbath, and took part in the social meeting. There was a good representation of outside hearers on both Sabbath and first-day. On the Sabbath, Bro. R. F. Andrews gave us a good discourse, showing the strong enemy we have to contend with, and the necessity of putting on all the Christian armor. In the evening, Bro. E. R. Jones spoke of the danger of backsliding. On first-day, Bro. Andrews gave us a heart-searching discourse on “Repentance and Conversion,” showing that godly sorrow for sin implies making restitution for past wrongs and turning away from our iniquities.

Bro. Jones was invited to the Francisco school-house first-day evening, where he gave to a good congregation, mostly outsiders, a discourse on present truth. All through our meeting the best attention and interest were manifested. Some of our neighbors are reading, and looking more into present truth. We trust the Lord will yet bless the little church in Newton.

J. Byington.

Genesee Co., Feb. 27.

Commenced meetings in the Whitesburg school-house, Feb. 8. There is a small Methodist class here, and we had a little difficulty in obtaining the house; but as the majority wished to hear and feared it would be closed against all, we were granted its use. Thus far we have had good congregations and the very best of attention. Some are becoming deeply interested. We shall commence on the Sabbath question to-night.

D. A. Wellman.

Carson City.

Wednesday, Feb. 20, we went to Carson City and remained till the following Sunday. We gave seven discourses, and held three business sessions. This church, like all others made up of different elements and coming together in church relationship without previous acquaintance, has had lessons of patience and Christian forbearance to learn, which we trust they will not soon forget.

One thing here, as in other places, we very much regret; that is, a lack of interest on the part of some in the REVIEW. No family should be without this paper; and our experience is, that where any feel too poor to take it, and yet indulge in many things that they would be better off without, they live far beneath their privilege in spiritual things; and consequently will be losers in the end. There are noble minds in the Carson church, which, with proper training, and consecration, can be helps in the work of God.

We consider our visit with these brethren timely, and were made glad before the meeting closed to see the noble stand taken by them in response to the plain testimony borne. We believe, if faithful to their vows, God will make them a strong church.

J. Fargo. J. O. Corliss.

Gaines and Alaiedon, Feb. 28.

Feb. 16, 17, met with the church at Gaines. The brethren here are very much scattered, yet a goodly number were present at the meeting, also quite a number from Blendon, Ottawa Co. The burden of the work here now rests almost wholly on Bro. W. J. Hardy. He has the confidence of the people where he lives, and we trust the time is not far distant when the few that remain may have some additions to their number.

By request of the president of the Conference, I went to Alaiedon. Held meetings with them Feb. 23, 24. The Spirit of the Lord was present to help in preaching. Our social meeting Sabbath was interesting, several bearing testimony who had but recently embraced the truth. The brethren here have shown commendable zeal in the circulation of our tracts and papers, especially among their neighbors, and they are now reaping the fruits of their labors. I came to this place expecting to hold a series of meetings; but as the Methodists are holding a protracted meeting near our place of worship, it was thought best to defer our meeting. Several who have professed conversion in this meeting have commenced the observance of the Sabbath.

Sunday afternoon our house of worship was well filled with attentive listeners to a discourse from Acts 2:37, 38, after which we repaired to the river and two were buried with their Lord in baptism. Three united with the church. Others will join soon.

My address, for the present, is Allegan, Mich.

H. M. Kenyon.

Twin Lakes, Feb. 24.

Last week I held three meetings nine miles from Twin Lakes. Had good congregations, and spoke on the prophecies. Several became interested in the truth and wanted to hear more. I visited several families in the vicinity of the school-house where I lectured before. An aged Norwegian and his wife acknowledged the truth, and said they would join us if a class was formed here. He subscribed for the TIDENDE. Several others are convinced. Some that never read the Bible have commenced to read it now.

Yesterday we had an excellent meeting here in Twin Lakes. The Lord was present by his Spirit. One person who had long tried to resist the truth signed the covenant, with his whole family. Seven signed the covenant this Sabbath, the same number that signed it last Sabbath. The class here consists now of twenty-seven members.

I have obtained one subscriber each for the TIDENDE and REVIEW. Have invitations to lecture at Clam Lake and Ishpeming, Mich., and to go to Minnesota to labor among the Swedes.

I intend to go to Holton from here.

Gustaf A. Carlstedt.