MEETINGS IN ALLEGAN CO., MICH.
By Joseph Bates
BRO. SMITH: It has been my privilege during the last month to visit the churches in Allegan Co. The church in Monterey are pressing forward for victory and eternal life, desiring to discharge all the duties devolving on them, both spiritual and temporal.—The Lord blessed us in our meetings, and especially in celebrating the ordinances of his house. At Allegan village our meetings were blessed of the Lord. Bro. Rhodes was with us on the Sabbath, and took a part in the meetings. The testimony of the church was encouraging. They evinced a strong desire to maintain their position in the third angel's message, and heed the warning of the faithful and true Witness. On First-day evening the brethren and sisters in Allegan and Trowbridge came together to attend to the ordinances. Some little time was spent in removing difficulties and confessing faults, which had been a hindrance in the way of some; after which the blessing of God was strikingly manifest in almost every one that participated in the ordinances of the house of God. It was indeed a joyful season, and privilege to partake so largely of the spirit of the new commandment, while moving forward in obedience to our Lord's commands, and doing as he had done. We found the church in Watson laboring under some trials, but struggling for gospel freedom. We trust they soon will be free, and move onward with the main body. We gave a few public lectures in Watson, and confidently hope that some who have been discouraged in the way are seeking to return. Two leading men in the place that came to the meeting were heard to say there was no fault to be found with the Bible truths which were presented. Sabbath and First-day, July 30th and 31st, we spent with the church in Otsego. Bro. and sister Byington met and united with us on the Sabbath of the Lord. The testimonies from the brethren evinced their love for the truth, and their strong attachment to the position we occupy. First-day monthly church meeting for business. After some confession of faults, where jealousies had existed, the meeting moved on harmoniously, at the close of which the brethren decided on the dimensions for a house of worship, and declared their intention to erect the same forthwith. We then proceeded to the river side where two were buried in baptism, after which we were made joyful and happy in attending to the other ordinances of the Lord's house.
JOSEPH BATES.
Battle Creek, Aug. 8th, 1859.