REPORT FROM BRO. BATES.
By Joseph Bates
DEAR BRO. SMITH: I have been endeavoring to present the truth in Caladonia and Gaines, Mich. I spent three Sabbaths with the church in C. commencing the last Sabbath in March. They seemed much cheered with our visit and labor with them, and are endeavoring to press their way forward with renewed vigor, to keep company with the remnant who are now persecuted, and about to be made war upon by the dragon and his host, for keeping the commandments of God and testimony of Jesus Christ. They have become satisfied there is no outside track for this persecuted "little flock." They are laboring with some good hope of success for their children in the Sabbath-school. Several presented themselves for baptism the last Sabbath we were with them, but before we could attend to that ordinance we were sent for to attend sister Collins' funeral. Our appointment is to meet with them again the coming Sabbath. From thence we design to visit the church in Bowne. We commenced in C. with a two days meeting. Some that had turned away with itching ears to listen to the no-law Age-to come theory, after hearing our presentation of the two laws were considerably stirred up. Some of them declared they had been deceived, and that their first position was correct, for they saw plainly there was no law abolished but the law of commandments contained in ordinances. Others there were however, that were not so willing to acknowledge. One of them came forward at the close of the meeting desiring to know if I would meet O. R. L. Crozier on this subject. I asked him if Mr. Crozier had employed him for this purpose. No said he, but he will meet you &c. I replied, when Mr. Crozier comes here I will talk with him, and remarked, Mr. C. blows hot, and blows cold. He has taught publicly that a person could not be saved that did not keep the seventh day for the Sabbath. But he now teaches that there is no Sabbath, for it was abolished at the cross. Here the matter ended. We were invited to preach in two different schoolhouses in Gaines, the next town. In the first we gave seven lectures. In the last we had held six meetings before we were called to Watson. Many were ready to admit that the seventh day was the Sabbath, but inclined rather to remain in the peace and safety position. Some however like to hear and examine, but they say, we have no money to buy books. We say that we would rather give them the books if they will read, than that they should lose their interest in this glorious work. Monterey, April 23, 1860.