MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 28, 1878

Labor Among the Churches.

From the 11th to the 18th of February, we held meetings with the church of Quincy, in Branch County. The brethren here number, in all, about thirty. They have a church building of good size, which is constructed of brick, and well finished in every particular. Among the members are found many whom we believe God loves, and who are qualified for his service by the possession of both the graces of the Spirit and intellectual ability. We have seldom enjoyed labor more than we did while among them. Nor have we ever seen greater willingness on the part of the Lord to witness to his truth. At the very commencement of the meetings a spirit of confession was developed, which resulted in the adjustment of all past difficulties. As our stay with them was necessarily short, it seemed providential that the work of reconciliation was entered upon in the outset; as otherwise we should not have had time for the accomplishment of the end for which we made the visit.

The town of Quincy has a population of about eleven hundred, and bears the marks of thrift. The people seem to be of the church-going sort, as our meetings were well attended from first to last. On Sunday evening,—at which time we held our last service,—the house of worship, though large, was filled with intelligent and attentive hearers. Another feature which added to the interest of our meetings, was the fact that several members of other denominations took an active part in our social meetings; thereby manifesting a freedom from that bigotry which often reproaches the cause of God, by refusing to recognize the workings of his Spirit outside of those churches which are generally known as orthodox.

On the 18th of February we left Quincy for Orleans, feeling that our visit there had been pleasant indeed, and hoping that our acquaintance with the brethren in that church might be renewed again before long. W. H. Littlejohn. M. S. Burnham.

Big River.

At Big River I obtained of the trustees the free use of the temperance hall for five evenings in a week. Held three meetings, then a vote was taken that all parties using the house subsequent to that meeting should pay one dollar an evening. We paid for two evenings, and quite an interest was manifested. Appointments for neck-tie parties, socials, temperance lectures, &c., were then thrown in, so I left. Some of the interested ones obtained a private house, and came for me. Six are keeping the Sabbath, and others are interested. R. J. Lawrence.

Twin Lakes, Feb. 17.

I held five meetings in a school-house seven miles from Twin Lakes. A few became interested in the truth. Sold seventy cents’ worth of books, and obtained one subscriber for the Reformer.

Tuesday I came back to Twin Lakes to hear what a Methodist minister from Whitehall, who had been sent for to come and put down the truth, had to say on the Sabbath question. He read extracts from Fuller’s work, “The Two Sabbaths,” and the minister on the circuit made some remarks. The house was full, but many were dissatisfied with his sermon. I reviewed him the next evening before a large congregation. The truth gained the victory, and many became fully convinced that the seventh day is the Sabbath.

Yesterday we had a good Sabbath meeting here. Seven signed the covenant. Some of them were keeping their first Sabbath, among these was the justice of the peace in the town. The constable also signed. We have now a class of twenty Sabbath-keepers here. To-day I go to a school-house nine miles from this place.

I ask the people of God to pray for me. Gustaf A. Carlstedt.

Norwalk, Feb. 18.

I have been laboring in this place about two months. There has been a great deal of opposition from some, the Lutheran minister especially. Notwithstanding this, twelve have begun to observe the Sabbath. Our Sabbath meetings are very interesting, as the friends all take part in praying and bearing testimony. I also hold meetings twice a week about five miles from here. I trust that some will embrace the truth there in time. I am trying to do what I can on the Lord’s side, although the enemy tries hard to hinder the work. It rejoices my heart to see souls come to the Saviour. The truth is becoming more and more precious to me, and I praise the Lord that he gives me strength to labor some for him. Pray for the progress of the truth in this place. P. L. Hoen.

Deerfield, Lenawee Co., Feb. 22.

By special request, a second discourse on the sanctuary was given on Tuesday night last. Deep impressions were made. At the close we took an expression to see how many would keep all the commandments and the faith of Jesus, and thus get ready to meet our Lord at his second coming. Over twenty arose, including four who have been keeping the Sabbath for several years. These brethren have done all they could to encourage us, and have been a great help in the work here. We have been supplied with reading matter through the kindness of the director of Dist. No. 6, Bro. F. Howe, which has been a great help.

The interest here is such that one of us will remain, while, Providence permitting, the other will go to Ottawa Lake on Monday next. We are now meeting with determined opposition, but by the help of the Lord, we expect to be successful. J. S. Preston. C. A. Preston.

Gowen.

Bro. E. Van Deusen visited Gowen a few weeks ago. As a result of his labors, one family has commenced keeping the Sabbath, and others are convinced.

We had a good meeting last Sabbath. The work goes forward here. At a meeting in Bro. J. C. Miller’s neighborhood, the house was well filled, and I had freedom in speaking on the law of God, the gospel, and saving faith. I have also made some interesting visits. August Rasmussen.