REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.
By James White
Bro. Smith: Our second meeting at Caledonia was one of deep interest. For the first time the church engaged in the humbling ordinance of washing feet, according to John xiii, followed by the Lord's supper. It was a refreshing season. We all felt the force of these words of our Lord, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John xiii, 17. Next day drove to Allegan; on the way came up to some natives stuck in the mud. The Indian and squaw got out and waded through the water and mud, and their famishing team drew out their papooses. But we sat in the carriage, and between hope and fear watched the desperate struggles of our team, who soon took us to the dry land. Sabbath the 7th, spoke three times to the church in Monterey with some freedom. The house of prayer was so crowded that it was very uncomfortable for hearers as well as speaker. It was, however, a good Sabbath-day for the church in Monterey. Our meeting houses are too small, and too far between. Our faith as a people in the great gathering work of the Third Angel is much too small. Brethren, let your faith stretch, and give the Lord room to work. First-day forenoon we drove to Otsego, and found an appointment out for us to speak at 2 P. M., and a large congregation assembled in the tavern dance hall. We were near an hour late in consequence of a heavy shower; yet the congregation waited. It was an odd place to preach. We declined occupying the fiddler's stand, and took the middle of the floor, with the people all around us, and preached as well as we could to the attentive assembly. We were glad next day to see the sills of a house of prayer soon to be erected in Otsego; but sorry they were so short. I think the brethren, however, will exchange the two short ones for some about twice as long, and thus double the size of their house. The Otsego brethren have had a good share of trials and discouragements; but Bro. A. Hilliard and wife from N. Y. have joined their number, and the Lord has not left them, and they feel encouraged to build a place of worship, and to sustain occasional preaching. May the Lord bless them.