Having been from home five months and a half, with the exception of fifteen days, the associations of home seem dearer than ever. Sweet home!
Our labors the past six months have been too abundant for our strength. In this time we have preached in Iowa, Wis., Ills., Mich., Ohio, N. Y., Vt., N. H., Mass., and Maine, besides having very many cares relative to the interests and advancement of the good cause. But rest, the blessing of God, and again mingling with a people who are free in the Lord, are reviving us again.
Last Sabbath was a precious day to the Battle Creek church. We spoke twice on baptism—the necessary work to prepare the candidate for the ordinance—and the life which should follow baptism. We then planted in the water, in the likeness of Christ's death, seven brethren and sisters. Five of these were young men and women who had made no profession of religion, yet rested from labor on the Sabbath, and usually attended meeting. Many young people among us are in this condition. And the lack of consecration and spirituality in the church is one great reason why they remain in this condition. But the Lord has begun a good work in this church. May it extend to all our churches till the young, unconverted Sabbath-keepers among us shall be brought to a knowledge of the saving power of Christ. Two little girls were also baptized last Sabbath. The eldest daughter of widow sister Cranson, and the youngest daughter of brother and sister C. Smith. They have seen a large family follow their Lord in this ordinance, who are all living members in the church of Christ, or sleep in Jesus; but little Mary was the last. A more pleasant and glorious baptism we never witnessed.
The evening following, the church assembled to attend to the ordinances. We were not able to attend, but are informed that it was a very solemn and impressive season, while at least one hundred participated in the ordinances of the Lord's house. Thus commences 1859 with the Battle Creek church. God grant that the power of theoretical and plain, practical Bible truths may so influence us as a church that the Holy Spirit may rest upon us powerfully throughout the year, or till Jesus comes.