Letter from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
BRO. SMITH: Since I wrote you from Otsego the 8th, inst. I have been holding meetings in several school districts in Monterey and some of the towns adjoining in Allegan Co. About every school-house is open for religious meetings, hence the doctrine of the second advent of the Lord Jesus is freely received by those who have ears to hear. I still find it extremely difficult to make a portion of my hearers believe that it has been announced to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people that Christ is coming. Those who do believe that this announcement is in the past, with the appointed time to cleanse the Sanctuary, are fully prepared to believe the Third Angel's Message has followed, and many have commenced the examination of this glorious doctrine, and some more in this region have embraced the message in full, and others are coming to the same determination. In one of the school districts in M. we commenced a series of meetings on the evening of the 14th, and continued until the evening of First-day, 18th, notwithstanding the extreme cold weather at the time, the most of the church in M. attended every meeting, traveling from six to ten miles out and home. Their prayers, and spirited exhortations, and singing, both before and after preaching, stirred up the people in the district, and some deep and hearty confessions were made, and strong desires to hear and examine more fully this important subject, while some others fully decided to keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus. On First-day morning, [mercury 30 degrees below zero,] some of the Brn. in the time of service cut and sawed out the ice some three feet thick, and found water of sufficient depth, wherein seven souls were buried with Christ in baptism. The church attended to the ordinances of the Lord's house, and were much strengthened and blessed of the Lord. Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that's within me bless his holy name, that his mighty and potent arm is stretched out in answer to the cries of his people, and they are rising from their delusive "lukewarm" state to open the door of their hearts and let the Saviour in. Jan. 20th came to Waverly, Van Buren Co. Since, have held meetings at Pine Grove Mills, Johnstown, Lake Mills and Waverly, and close this evening at Brandywine Creek school-house; all within a compass of about twelve miles. Those that come out to hear, listen attentively. Six have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, while some others are halting between two opinions, admitting that we have the Bible truth, but not yet prepared to take their stand on the Lord's side. The church is in a scattered state, deprived of the privilege of getting together often without some extra exertion. But the work of the Lord around them has awakened them to fresh zeal and courage, and the stumbling-blocks we trust are being removed so that they may rise with the remnant. JOSEPH BATES.
Waverly, Jan. 28th 1857.