Cause in Michigan by James White

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · May 29, 1855

Cause in Michigan.

By James White

SABBATH, May 12th, we met with the church in Jackson, and presented some of the evidences that the second advent is near, even at the doors. The testimony was received by this church. They are awake to, and aware of, the evil tendencies of those views which put off the coming of the Lord. In the evening following First-day we met for social meeting, and to break bread. There was a spirit of labor for the church, and some who had been bound in unbelief were set free, and were filled with peace, joy, hope and faith. It was a glorious meeting. The Lord help them to hope on, have faith and press onward to the prize.

Sabbath and First-day, May 19th and 20th, we joined our faithful Bro. Cornell in the Tent-meeting at Sylvan. A very few Brn. came in from other places. We had very fine weather, and a good meeting. There is a general lack of spirituality, which was felt somewhat at this meeting; but we trust the scattered saints were revived and strengthened. The congregation on First-day was good and attentive. Notwithstanding the friends of disorder have tried to prejudice the people against us, and have disgraced the holy cause of truth, yet we never had a better hearing in Sylvan than at this meeting. We were glad to hear the Post Master, who is also a merchant in the place, say that he should keep the next Sabbath. The Lord bless him and his, and may they walk in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord's house blameless.

May 22d, in company with Bro. Cornell we held three meetings with the friends in Tyrone. Here the Methodists have been having a great time. Have held meetings for three weeks, and have said much to crush the brethren, and prejudice the people. We were indeed disappointed to see so many out to hear under such circumstances, at this season of the year. Our meetings were excellent, and the truth spoken went home to the heart. We told those who have recently become serious under Methodist influence, that we would not lay a straw in their way; that we wished them to press on, and seek and search for the whole truth, and take the Bible as their only rule of faith and duty. We feel much attached to the dear friends in Tyrone, who received us and treated us with the kindest attention, and then helped us on our way after a godly sort.

The good cause in Michigan is firm and prosperous. The Lord is with his people and gives them victory in the truth. Our next Tent-meeting is in this place, Sabbath and First-day, the 26th and 27th. My health gradually improves, and my spirit is getting perfectly free while freed from the cares of the Office, and mingling with the Lord's faithful, scattered ones. O how sweet rest will be when the saints are all gathered home. Till then, brethren, let us toil on in the work to which God has called us.

JAMES WHITE.

Rochester, Mich., May 24th, 1855.