Meeting in Wright, Mich.
By J. B. Frisbie
Bro. Smith: We had quite a good meeting in Wright. Bro. Loughborough preached with good acceptance. The church was strengthened and others interested. Sister White's testimonies were well received, and good was done. I continued the meetings through the week and over the next Sabbath and First-day. The next Monday evening we gave our reason for not being a Universalist, as the preacher gave out word that he would preach against us. I spoke nearly an hour on the creation of man, his death, redemption, resurrection and immortality, death of the wicked, and saints' inheritance, in a brief outline of the whole. The preacher attempted a reply in his own way, by finding fault with our translation, and spiritualizing the word to make out his cause. I gave them to understand if we picked the translation to make out a doctrine that was not in our present translation we might have 600 more sects and enter an endless controversy, and I was willing to abide the present translation. And if Universalism was true, it would save all, right or wrong. Finally he spoke a short time and the meeting broke up in perfect confusion on his hands. Second-day we met at 11 o'clock A. M., and gave a discourse on baptism, and then went to the Rio Grande and cut the ice in a beautiful place and buried eight souls in baptism. The Spirit of the Lord rested down upon us and owned the ordinance, while some came out of the water shouting and praising God. The truth has taken deep root in that section of the country. I met with the brethren and sisters in Chester on Sixth-day eve, and preached with excellent liberty. Last Sabbath I was with the church, preached on church order in the forenoon, and gave a short discourse in the afternoon on the office and duties of deacons. The church then chose two of their number to be set apart to that office. Several others have commenced to keep the Sabbath there of late. Bro. Rhodes' testimonies I believe have been a benefit to some. His experience is worth a good deal to the churches, as far as I can learn. Our acquaintance has been profitable. Yours in the love of the truth.