MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 12, 1878

Wright.

Complying with a united request, we commenced a protracted meeting at the Wright church, Friday evening, Nov. 1, and continued nearly four weeks. At no time in my ministerial labors had I felt more deeply that I was far from God, a poor backslider, unfit for the sacred work in which I was engaged, than at the close of our late camp-meeting. This state of mind caused great grief, brokenness of heart, and a new consecration to the work. I felt that without God’s help little could be done for the brethren at Wright. We knew nothing of their trials and discouragements; but the Spirit of God seemed to give a testimony, with power, that reached hearts and sent conviction very deep. Leading members were the first to respond and struggle toward the light. It would require too much space to narrate all the interesting items of the meeting, but such heart-broken confessions to God and to one another I never before heard. Often nearly the whole congregation would be in tears. There was no excitement, but each felt to clear himself of sin, leaving all others to do the same.

God has come very near, by his Spirit, to the leading men in the church, and they are taking hold with renewed courage and a new conversion. By confession, difficulties have been cleared up, bringing courage into the church and light into their meetings. Union, harmony, and brotherly love prevail, and I believe better days are in store for the church in Wright. The attendance of our brethren was general, but from without small. However, four embraced the truth, six were baptized, and eight joined the church. E. B. LANE.

Battle Creek, Dec. 2.

Novesta, Tuscola Co., Dec. 3.

I commenced meetings in Novesta, Oct. 20. A no-law man from Canada burst in upon us. Some thought at first that they had sustained a serious shock from the explosion, but on a careful examination it proved to be only a noise. I received a challenge from a M. E. minister; but he accepted the advice of his ministerial brethren and withdrew his challenge.

Twelve are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and others are deciding. Pray for us. Wm. Ostrander.