THE Conference at Jackson was held according to appointment, June 3d, 4th and 5th. There were several brethren at this meeting from a distance. Bro. P. Gibson, and his companion, of London, C. W., were present.
Bro. Gibson stated, that he had long been looking for some of the preaching brethren to visit that place, and labor in that vicinity; but as none came, he had come out to see the brethren. He enjoyed the meeting, and expressed his wishes for help in Canada, and that he would do what he could to help sustain the cause.
Bro. Isaac Brown, of Waverly, this State, was, also, present. He had come about 100 miles to meet with the brethren. It was the first meeting of the kind that he had ever attended; never had heard a lecture. By reading the REVIEW, he and his family had become settled on the Sabbath. He stated, that when he began to take the REVIEW, he designed having it bound, at the close of the volume, and preserved; but his neighbors had read the papers so much that they were about worn out.
He stated, that the churches around him were in a low, scattered state, and that many were dissatisfied with their condition; but knew not how to better it. By changing from one church to another, nothing could be gained; for all were in about the same sad condition. Said he, "we want help. We want the living preacher to come and feed these perishing souls with truth." Others called for help, in a similar manner. It did really seem like the poor sheep out in search of a shepherd.
There was quite a gathering of the faithful, from the region round about. There was a good interest to hear the reasons of our faith, and the Word had free course; though the meetings were not as free and powerful as some others. Bro. J. N. Loughborough preached twice, with clearness, much to the edification of the brethren.
At this meeting a mission to Wisconsin and Illinois was considered. Brn. J. N. Loughborough and M. E. Cornell, decided to go in company, with private conveyance. Necessary means to help them to their field of labor were raised at once. We also furnished them with a full supply of Tracts, which they will sell to those who can pay, and give to the worthy poor. A deep interest was felt in this mission, and we hope that all the readers of the REVIEW, who have faith in God, will pray that he will prosper these brethren mightily, and give them many souls in the West. It is of little use for brethren to fly from place to place, and spend but a few hours or days at each. Here has been a great fault. These brethren design spending months in the West. God bless them.
June 6th we had a meeting at Battle Creek. It was a profitable, melting, meeting. Being much worn, could not speak with usual clearness and energy.—Several, not with us in the faith, felt the force of truth.
At Bedford, there was great interest to hear. The people offered to suspend their school, and give us the use of the school-house, and come out to hear. We had two meetings on the second day of the week, and two on the third, and the house was filled at each meeting. At one meeting while one was exhorting, and describing the glories of the soon expected kingdom, it was stated that all present wept, the poor sceptic not excepted. We were deprived of speaking to the people on account of poor health. Bro. Loughborough preached three times, and Bro. Cornell once. The brethren here are strong in faith, and awake. W.