MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 31, 1879

Mt. Pleasant, July 20.—Commenced meetings here the 13th inst. The outside attendance has not been large, owing to the busy season of harvest. A steady increase in attendance, however, shows an increase in interest, which is manifested as we visit and converse with those who attend. We are hopeful that good may be accomplished with the blessing of the Lord. E. Van Deusen. L. A. Kellogg.

Since our last report we have labored principally among the churches. Have visited Wright, Wayland, and Gaines twice each, and have also labored at Blendon, Casnovia, Ravenna, Monterey, Otsego, and Fremont Center.

The church at Wright are doing well. They have a large and successful Sabbath-school, in which old and young take an active part. At their quarterly meeting they renewed their interest in the T. and M. work, raising their subscription on the Signs from 30 to 102 copies.

The church at Ravenna are also in a prosperous condition. They have an excellent Sabbath-school, and seem of good courage. Two who took their stand for the truth during our labors at Coopersville last fall, have recently united with the church.

At Blendon and Casnovia the outside attendance was large, and we think there are good openings for future labor at these places. The brethren were encouraged, and we trust some good was accomplished.

At Gaines we enjoyed some excellent meetings. Two were baptized and united with the church. All are of good courage. The Gaines church have a Sabbath-school worthy of commendation, and it is accomplishing much good.

Our meetings at Wayland were well attended. At our first visit some who were backslidden took a new start, and the Spirit of God moved sensibly in our midst, outsiders being affected in a remarkable manner. Bro. M. S. Burnham was present and assisted in these meetings. At our second visit the meeting was one long to be remembered. Several attended from Monterey; and one brother from that place who we were informed had been in a discouraged condition, and had not borne testimony for three years, spoke feelingly. This church have a good Sabbath-school.

We met a large gathering of our brethren at Monterey. Some came from Otsego, Allegan, and Douglas. Their house of worship was well filled, and I trust our meetings with them were profitable. The weather was stormy, yet all our appointments were well attended. We did not arrive in time to attend their Sabbath-school.

At Otsego, although our meetings were in the midst of harvest, yet we had an uncommon attendance. On Sabbath their house of worship was well filled. Brethren came from Monterey, Allegan, Douglas, Plainwell, and Cooper. We enjoyed excellent meetings.

On Sunday our congregations were only moderate, but in the evening the church was filled, and quite a crowd collected without. This demonstration, with the good meetings we enjoyed, gave the brethren much courage, and we think, with them, that this is an excellent field for labor. Otsego has what we regard a model Sabbath-school.

Since July 5, we have been holding a tent-meeting at Fremont Center with only ordinary encouragement. With one exception our congregations have been small. This may be owing to lack of interest, or to the busy season. We design to labor on, hoping for the best. We are now in the midst of the Sabbath question. Bro. Burnham is with us. The people kindly provide for our wants. We are of good courage. E. B., & E. S. Lane.