REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.
By James White
BRO. SMITH: We are now at Bro. Gerould's, in Caledonia, where we are enjoying rest and peace of mind. We had an excellent meeting here yesterday afternoon, and have an appointment to-day, at 4 P. M. Then we go to Monterey. We have now been from Battle Creek six days; have driven our team about one hundred and twenty miles, much of the way over desperate roads and held five meetings. And, be assured, rest is sweet to-day. Bro. and Sr. Gerould seem to know how to make pilgrims at home. At Wright we met on the Sabbath a congregation of more than one hundred and fifty persons in their partly finished place of worship, hastily erected late last Autumn. This they design to finish soon, and perhaps add twenty feet to its length, as it will not comfortably seat the congregation when they have preaching. We spoke to the people on Sabbath, and to a crowded house on First-day with some freedom, and in the evening on the gifts and unity of the church. Monday at 9 A. M. near one hundred Sabbath-keepers assembled to attend to the ordinances of the Lord's supper and washing of feet, for the first time. Nearly every person took part, and felt the sweet blessing of Heaven. It was a blessed sight to see this large body of young Christian Sabbath-keepers heartily engage in the ordinances of the Lord's house. The propriety of a regular monthly meeting, at which time to have a Messenger present if possible, was suggested; also Systematic Benevolence to help sustain Messengers, and the cause generally, and was approved by a unanimous vote of the congregation. This church is able under ordinary circumstances, and willing to help forward the cause of Bible Truth. But it is extremely difficult for those who have not made previous arrangements, to raise cash now. The church in Wright are generally young, enterprising men and women, who having never professed religion until they heard present truth, have had no false theories of religion to unlearn and abandon. They have therefore stood free to learn the truth and to obey. The subject of the unity and gifts of the church is taking a strong hold with them, and we think it will be hard work for any one to cause division among them. We are happily disappointed in finding that most of the Caledonia church stand firm. They have had grievous trials from several causes. One — a young man came among them and tried to preach, but failed. He is one of those little men, almost always out of his place, an everlasting talker, meddling with other people's business. His course has tried, perplexed, and disgusted many. Some have fallen through self-righteousness. In this state of things, O. R. L. Crozier regards it a good opening for him to come in, and, if possible, tear the church in pieces. The victories he has gained are exceedingly small as yet, and it is hoped that the sheep, as they may see the devouring wolf, will run together. It is certain that the subject of Bible union must be felt and acted upon by all our brethren, or they will be scattered to the four winds. We rejoice, however, that wherever it is presented, its necessity is felt, and the brethren are ready to come up to the high Bible standard.