REPORT FROM MESSENGERS
By M. E. Cornell
BRO. SMITH:—From Battle Creek I went to Saline, and met with the church on Sabbath and First-day, April 19th and 20th, and preached two discourses. The church seemed to be united and firmly established in the present truth. They now number about sixteen. During the past Winter they have occasionally been favored with the labors of Bro. Waggoner, which they seem duly to appreciate. After the meeting on the Sabbath we repaired to the water, and Bro. Waggoner baptized one dear soul for the remission of sins. How pleasant it is to see the understanding believer buried with Christ by baptism, and arise again with the confident feeling that they will lead a new life. My visit with the old friends of truth in this place was truly pleasant. Bro. C. S. Glover, formerly of Sylvan, has taken up his residence in this place, and still keeps a pilgrim's home; as glad as ever to entertain his fellow pilgrims in the Third Angel's Message. On Monday morning, in company with Bro. Waggoner, went to Ann Arbor, and by rail road and stage arrived at Rochester, Mich., Tuesday noon. We spent the Sabbath and First-day with the church at Shelby. Nearly one year has passed since they have been visited by any of the messengers. Only three have turned away from the Sabbath, while about twenty-five remain firm in the truth. Most of the time was occupied by Bro. Waggoner in speaking on the law, gospel, and prophecies relating to the present time, much to the edification and encouragement of the church. We were glad to see and converse with Eld. R. J. Lawrence, and learn that he was increasing in zeal and knowledge of the present truth. The church has good reasons to hope that39he will soon be an efficient laborer in the last Message. A meeting was called for the purpose of considering "church order," and Bro. R. T. Payne was unanimously chosen and set apart as deacon of the church. Another meeting was called to celebrate the ordinances of the house of God. Order and union seemed to prevail in every meeting. Four manifested obedience by baptism, and others are expected to follow soon. Several of the church had been bound for months, so that they had no strength to bear testimony in their social meetings; but they are now free, and fully resolved to henceforth walk in obedience. We trust that the impressions given by the admonitions and exhortations at this meeting will be lasting; and we can but hope that we shall hear good concerning this company of believers from this time onward. Tyrone, Mich., May 2d, 1856.