DEAR BRO. WHITE:—After closing my labors in Plumb River, and Green Vale, Ill., I visited Crane Grove, and Adaline again, to strengthen and encourage some that had partially received the truth when I labored with them in January last. False teachers had beset them with their no-Sabbath, no-commandment theory until they were almost bewildered and ready to believe that it was even so. We labored with them (and we hope with some success) from March 15—20th, and then passed on, by R. Road, to Naausa and Plainfield, Will Co., Ill. Here we were not a little comforted in meeting with the families of Brn. Miller and Beebe whom we had met with in Lorain, N. Y., before they removed West. They seemed hungry for the bread of life, and anxious also that their neighbors should hear.
In Plainfield, we held meetings in the Academy hall to very attentive audiences who manifested a readiness to examine still further by calling for books, and the Review at the close of our series of meetings. After some attention to Gospel Order, the Church was liberated from some inconsistencies in one of their members that had prevented their onward progress, and encouraged to go forward.
March 27th, we came to Chicago. Bro. George R. Clark requests that the lecturing brethren will call on him as they pass through the city.
March 29th, we came East to Battle Creek, Mich. Here we had a good meeting at the house of Bro. Lyon. The brethren from Bedford, and some other places were present and united with us in the ordinance of the Lord's supper. It was a refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Brn. Frisbie, Hewitt and Lowree were with us. Bro. L. came out from among the Protestant Methodist preachers, and is waxing stronger and stronger in the present truth. We trust the Lord will yet thrust him out into the harvest field. Satan has manifested his satanic power apparently with a fixed determination to distract and destroy these two bands but prayer prevailed with God, and he was finally rebuked.
The Conference at Jackson Mar. 31st, Apr. 1st and 2d, was held in the new meeting-house which the brethren are finishing for their better accommodation. The Brn. here have for some little time past been laboring to sustain Gospel Order, and are now reaping the fruit of their united labors, viz., harmony and union among themselves and increasing confidence in God. Our position of present truth shines out so clear that they believe without fear of contradiction. O Lord, help them still to honor thee. At this meeting I became acquainted with Bro. S. T. Cranson and companion who came out on the Lord's side last year, and are now laboring for souls in the wide harvest field, having "a good report of them which are without."
April 3d, 4th and 5th, held meetings with the friends in Tompkins, and Sandstone. An increasing desire was manifest to investigate the third angel's message, some more have therefore sent for the Review. Lord let the light shine in their minds.
The Sabbath and First-day meetings at Sylvan on the 8th and 9th, were attended by Brn. from Sylvan Centre, Bald Eagle Lake and Henrietta. Brn. Cornell and Cranson were with us and preached on Gospel Order, and Gospel Union, to the edification and comfort of the church. The meeting closed with a general meeting of the brethren from the above named places in order more clearly to understand the causes which were dividing some in their feelings, owing to a misunderstanding of the united action of the churches of Jackson, Sylvan and Battle Creek in their conference in Jackson, respecting one of the messengers which they then disfellowshipped; first, for wrong teaching, thereby causing discord, and dis-union in the church; second, for disregarding their earnest request, and utterly refusing to meet with them in conference to examine and settle said difficulties. After explaining the action of the conference in Jackson, it was unanimously admitted that their decision was correct, and according to the Bible rule. The meeting closed with solemn and earnest appeals for perfect harmony and union with all who keep God's holy law.
The 11th and 12th we held evening meetings at Saline. Brn. Edmons and Moore who recently embraced the Sabbath under the labors of Bro. Cornell received us kindly, and with their families, and some of their neighbors, listened attentively to the subject matter of the last message of mercy. We believe the Lord has more jewels there. On our way to Saline, we stopped over night at Bro. L. Holford's. Himself and companion were much rejoiced to see us, and hear the word of life. They were deeply afflicted with the work of the enemy, and had under their care a natural sister whom Satan had bound, lo these thirty years. In answer to prayer, the Lord sent help from the heavenly Sanctuary, and gave her ease and calmness of mind and loosed her tongue to speak (which for months had been bound) and she promised to serve the Lord.
Our Conference at Olena, O., is now closing. It has been a continual storm of rain and snow since the meeting commenced. But few have attended, the roads are almost impassable. Bro. Loughborough is here with us. We shall be much pleased to meet you at the Conference you have appointed at Milan, O., 5th 6th and 7th of May, "if the Lord will."