Tent Meetings in Lapeer, Mich., Closed.
From the time of last report, the interest continued to increase until the last. The excitement caused by the opposition of the clergy of the place seemed gradually to subside, and a deep and abiding spirit of investigation filled its place; like the noble Bereans, they searched the Scriptures daily; therefore many of them believed, and there soon followed a general inquiry after church order. Their ministers would fain have them believe that we as a people had no organization or order whatever; but we soon gave them to understand that we believed in the most thorough, and complete Bible organization; that in tearing down their old shanty of sectarian disorder, we proposed to rear up for them in its stead, a most beautiful mansion of true gospel order. Our Creed or Discipline was the Bible, and our church book where names were to be enrolled was the Lamb's Book of Life; the name was the Church of God at Lapeer, and the Lord would add to it such as should be saved. The Foundation was the Prophets and Apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; that all the members of this church were regularly licensed exhorters—even to exhort one another and so much the more as they see the day approaching. At our last social meeting there were thirty-six testimonies given, and with only two or three exceptions the language was that of Canaan: it was truly a refreshing time. As the time was limited we gave opportunity for those that had not spoken, and were fully decided on the Sabbath, to manifest it by rising, and twenty-five more stood up. After this we ascertained that fifteen or twenty others had decided. Six were baptized. Old settlers in Lapeer said there had never been so large a concourse at any baptismal scene in that place before. Eighty subscribers were obtained for Review during this meeting. Application was made for a place to hold meetings on the Sabbath, but a suitable one could not be had. A meeting was called and it was resolved to build a plain, commodious house immediately. Bro. George Wright was unanimously chosen to superintend the building. The house is to be 36 by 50 feet, with a view to general meetings in this part of the State. Subscription papers were circulated, and over three hundred dollars were pledged before we left. They hope to complete it by the first of November. In the vicinity of Lapeer there seems to be a good opening for labor the coming Fall and Winter. The people are not as proud and aristocratic as in older settlements, and consequently are more free to follow after truth. We are encouraged to press on into new places in search of the honest jewels. M. E. CORNELL.
R. J. LAWRENCE.