OUR LATE VISIT by James White

Publishing Committee · BATTLE CREEK, MICH. · Jul 24, 1856

OUR LATE VISIT

By James White

WITH the brethren at Hastings, Grand Rapids, and Bowne, was refreshing and cheering to us, and we trust will result in some good to the brethren. At Hastings we gave a discourse in the Court House by the request of the husband, children and friends of sister Hutchinson who fell asleep April 8th. From the inquiry, "What is man?" [Heb. ii. 6] we spoke (1) of man's condition in this life, (2) of his condition in death, and (3) of his condition in the resurrection. Our positions are too well known to make it necessary to state them here. The few firm friends in Hastings are encouraged to press forward.

At Grand Rapids we spent three days with those families who have stood by the cause. Here we found necessary rest and freedom of spirit. Those in that vicinity who followed Ira Wyman in his work of division are in a deplorable condition. His vile conduct has destroyed the confidence of his friends, while they are left without meetings, and without union of sentiment among themselves. We would gladly help them if they would be helped. But it is a painful fact that in most cases when individuals are led off by wicked and deceitful men, they drink so largely of the poison of prejudice, that the development of the plainest facts in the case showing their wrong course, will not induce them to return to their former brethren with proper confessions. How dangerous to step wrong! One false step may prove fatal in the end.

Sabbath, July 5th, we met with the brethren in Bowne. The large school-room was nearly filled. We spoke to them twice, baptized five, and in remembrance of the scenes of Calvary partook of the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of Christ. On First-day we had a large congregation at the center of the town who listened with attention for more than two hours to the warning message of Rev. xiv. 9-12. Here several others resolved to keep the Lord's Sabbath.

Only a few months since and there were no Sabbath-keepers in Bowne. Bro. J. B. Frisbie visited the place twice last Spring and gave lectures, which stirred the whole community. There are fifteen or twenty firm in the present truth, and others convicted and convinced. God save them from hesitating in regard to taking a bold stand till the convicting Spirit of God shall leave them. Preaching brethren are solicited by the brethren there to visit Bowne. It is on the direct road by private conveyance from Hastings to Grand Rapids. J. W.