MEETINGS IN IONIA CO., MICH.
By J. L. Edgar
Bro. SMITH: I commenced a course of lectures July 27, in the town of Orange, eight miles south east of Ionia. The prospect in this place is quite favorable. The minds of the people seem to be prepared to hear the truth. I gave four lectures, and on the account of sickness thought best to close for a few weeks. At the close of our last lecture Judge Ramsdale remarked that for the last six years he had attended meetings but three times, as the teachings he had previously heard were so inconsistent and contradictory that it had driven him to Universalism, though at present he was rather neutral. He also expressed his entire satisfaction with our views as far as he had heard, and he thought they were immovable. We then took an expression, and the entire congregation arose to express their satisfaction with what they had heard, and also extended an invitation to me to come again. I shall return as soon as the sickness subsides, if providence permits. Last Sabbath I was with the church in Ionia. Spoke from the words, Blessed is the man that endureth temptation, for when he is tried he shall receive a crown of life which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. James i, 12. The Lord was with us to bless, for which we praise his holy name. The brethren in Ionia are striving to rise. May the Lord help them to endure that they may receive the crown of life.