Tent Meetings in Michigan by M. E. Cornell; R. J. Lawrence

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 22, 1858

Tent Meetings in Michigan.

By M. E. Cornell; R. J. Lawrence

In consequence of the continued cold, rainy weather, our commencement was two weeks later than we expected. We met with the church at Shelby two Sabbaths, and the Lord gave power to the word to the awakening of the lukewarm, much to our encouragement. On the second First-day night were buried by baptism in commemoration of the burial and resurrection of Christ the Saviour of the world.

Our first meeting in the tent was at Canandaigua, Oakland Co. We found the people much prejudiced at first, but their prejudice gave way as they learned our true position, and heard the evidence from Scripture. Our meetings were well attended and supported. We heard of a goodly number that decided to keep the Lord's day, instead of the day the Pope sanctified. Two were baptized on the last day of our meeting. Books were taken very liberally, considering the hard times. About $14 dollars' worth were taken. Thirty-five subscribed for the Review.

A certain minister thought to do us much harm by the cry of "wolf," but the Lord caused the wrath of man to praise him. It all turned out for the furtherance of the work of reform.

We were all very much comforted by a visit from Bro. White who was with us the last two days of the meeting. His testimony on the Sabbath, one Law-giver, &c., seemed to be a complete hinder on what had gone before, and we all felt that it was enough, and we were free to learn them to choose whom they would serve. If the Lord be God, then keep his Sabbath; but if the Pope of Rome be God, then keep his Sunday.

We are now in Lapeer. We came to this place and had no friends, only as money made them; all was dark, and we felt that truly the Lord must work or our efforts here would be a failure. But when we had walked by faith nearly two days in advertising and preparing for a meeting without the least encouragement, suddenly we were surrounded by friends ready to help us in pitching and seating the tent, and welcome us to their homes. Our almost involuntary cry was, "This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes." The clouds are gone, and we feel confident that the Lord is going before us, and to him be all the glory.

M. E. CORNELL. R. J. LAWRENCE.

Lapeer, July 15th, 1858.