p. 166 | MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 23, 1878

MICHIGAN

Labor among the Churches.

On the morning of May 2, we left home to visit the church of Ransom Center, Hillsdale Co., Mich. This church is located within a few miles of the church of Jefferson, where we labored for a time a few weeks ago. The brethren are few in number, and for a long while have struggled on under circumstances very discouraging in their nature. While among them we tried to preach the word in all plainness and sincerity. Our labors, though arduous, were not lost; and we left them feeling, not only that there were among them good souls whom the Lord loved, but also that he still had a care for them, and that, if they would cultivate brotherly love and the spirit of meekness, he will make their future more encouraging than their past history has been.

Leaving Ransom Center on the morning of the 9th, Providence seemed to direct our steps to the church in Hillsdale. There we remained for three days, giving ourselves to the preaching of the word and to visiting and counseling the brethren who stood in great need of help. Our efforts seemed to be appreciated, and we trust may result in the permanent good of those for whom they were put forth. On the last evening that we were with them, their house of worship was filled with a congregation of attentive listeners, and we feel assured that if the church in that place shall do their duty in the future by exemplifying the tender spirit of Christ in their dealings with one another, and by patiently and faithfully scattering the light, they will find that the field of their labor will not be altogether unfruitful. While among them, one person commenced to keep the Sabbath whose mind had been prepared for this step by the reading of the publications.

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

Maple Grove, May 14.

For the past six weeks I have been laboring at Maple Grove, preaching on Sabbaths and first-days, and visiting through the week as I had strength. Sabbath, May 4, I baptized eight, who were anxious to renounce sin and live a life of righteousness. The interest is still good. I hope others will soon put on Christ by baptism. There are eighteen or twenty who will unite to keep up meetings and Sabbath-school. May the Lord bless them all, and prepare them for the kingdom of God.

T. M. STEWARD.

Olivet, Alaiedon, and Spring Arbor.

April 27 and 28, met with the church in Olivet. The Lord gave liberty in preaching his word. The outside interest was good, and the attendance increased to the close. We believe that here judicious labor would bring others into the truth.

May 4 and 5 found us in Alaiedon. Here the Methodists held a revival meeting during the past winter. Some of their converts, with some others, numbering at least five adults, immediately commenced to observe the Sabbath of the Lord. Most of these joined the church at this time, and we believe the remainder will soon do so. After the forenoon services Sunday, three of them were buried with their Lord in baptism.

May 11 and 12 we had the privilege of meeting with the Spring Arbor church. Found them alive, both in faith and works. They are building a house of worship 28x40 feet. The foundation is laid and all the material on the ground for the house.

Our meetings here were well attended by the brethren and their neighbors. The meeting on Sabbath forenoon was especially excellent. We spoke of the operations of the Holy Ghost upon the heart of the Christian, and truly the Spirit of God was in our midst as we spoke. One aged person testified that it was the best meeting he had ever attended, and the tears of many others told their feelings better than pen can describe them.

On Sunday it was again our privilege, in the presence of a large concourse of people, to baptize thirteen adults, all heads of families, and two children. One of this number made a start at this time. All but two of the remainder embraced the truth during the past winter, as the result of labors performed by Bro. Daniels and myself.

Sunday evening was spent in the interest of the Sabbath-school. It was a profitable season for all. Besides the INSTRUCTORS already taken, we obtained a club of six, and four subscribers for the REVIEW.

We love to labor in the Master's vineyard.

M. B. MILLER.

Leetsville, Kalkaska Co., May 8.

About a month ago we returned to Leetsville; and we were glad to find that those who embraced the faith last fall had been enabled by the power of God to endure opposition, and maintain unpopular truth. These, with six others that have espoused the cause of Christ since we returned, were formed into a class which numbers sixteen. Others are deeply interested, and we hope will soon unite with them. The brethren cheerfully promised to give a tenth of their increase to help sustain the cause. A Sabbath-school was also organized.

We have visited all the scattered brethren in order to more fully understand the wants of the cause, and unite them in all branches of the work. The Lord has blessed our efforts to establish the cause in this new, remote, and sparsely settled part of the Conference, and we hope he will continue to bless them.

We now separate, one going to Elmira and the other to Clam Lake to labor as the way may open. We beg an interest in the prayers of God's people that we may give proper tone to the cause in these parts.

JOHN SISLEY. R. T. SISLEY.

Dundee.

After we closed our meetings at Ottawa Lake, a minister preached a sermon in which he took the position that the Old Testament is entirely done away, and with it the law of God. We have announced a review at our next appointment at that place.

The interest at Deerfield is steadily increasing. We are requested to perfect a church organization at that place, and expect soon to do so.

At Dundee our congregations average from thirty to forty, but are steadily increasing.

J. S. PRESTON. C. A. PRESTON.