REPORT FROM BRO. BATES by Joseph Bates

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 16, 1861

REPORT FROM BRO. BATES.

By Joseph Bates

DEAR BRO. SMITH: March 21st, we met with the church in Orange the second time. One more embraced the truth during the few weeks that we were absent. We spent the Sabbath and held several meetings in their school-house.

Hopes were entertained that three others would receive the truth. On first day three more were baptized into the Saviour's death to walk in newness of life.

They cordially invite Bro. and sister White to hold a conference in the Orange school-house this summer. Portland, Ionia, and North Plains churches are within a circuit of six, eight, and ten miles, and could be accommodated. If Bro. White makes such an appointment, and wishes to stop at Muer or Lyons R. R. station, Bro. Franklin Howe will endeavor to be there with a team to take them to his home, six miles distant.

March 28th, came to Greenville; the church here had been in a tried state respecting erroneous teaching recently introduced. But we trust it is now withdrawn, and buried with the rubbish of Popery. We preached several times in the place of worship which the church have prepared in the village to hold their meetings. Some unsubdued ones seemed interested to hear, while the church was encouraged and strengthened in the Lord.

On first day nine were buried with Christ in baptism, after which the church convened to wash one another's feet and receive the emblems of our dear Lord's broken body and split blood. How precious such seasons are to all those who are waiting for the glorious appearing of this very same Jesus.

The church also unanimously resolved to adopt the systematic benevolence plan as set forth in the Good Samaritan No. 5. Also by special request of the church two of the brethren were unanimously chosen and set apart as deacons of the church.

The churches in Ionia and Orleans are also struggling to be overcomers by keeping the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. They also, and at North Plains and Orange are carrying out the systematic benevolence plan.

On our way home we were detained in Wayland on account of impassable roads. The people readily opened their school-house to hear our position for the first time. We gave them a number of our books, and left them talking about the Lord's coming.

In our circuitous route home, we had the pleasure of one prayer-meeting with our brethren in Pine Creek. They with the churches at Watson, Allegan and Monterey, are still in the patient waiting time, expecting to be numbered among the victorious ones.

JOSEPH BATES.

Monterey, April 8, 1861.

P. S. I had arrived within a few miles of home before I saw Bro. Cornell's article inviting me to meet with the church at Chesaning, Mich. If the Lord will, I will endeavor to meet with them about the first of May.

J. B.