Michigan Annual Conference.
By Uriah Smith
WHILE it is true, as a general rule, that our pilgrimage heavenward lies through a pathway that is rough and thorny, the Psalmist assures us that we shall sometimes be led in green pastures and beside the still waters. There are places where we can set up our "Ebenezers," as cheering way-marks along our journey. There are refreshing oases, as well as parching sands in the desert of time. And when, henceforth, we look back to descry the pleasant and fondly-remem-bered scenes of this kind that we have passed, prominent among them will be the Conference at Monterey, Mich., Oct 4-6, 1862. This meeting being held in a somewhat retired place, a very select company of brethren and sisters found themselves assembled together at the time appointed. Brethren were present from all sections of the State, to the number, as it was estimated, of not far from five hundred, besides a few from New York, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin. This was probably the largest body of Sabbath-keepers ever assembled in the State. The religious exercises of the meeting commenced Sabbath morning at 10 o'clock, with a discourse from Bro. White, on the words, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them." Matt. xviii, 20. From this text he showed with freedom and clearness the design of the Saviour to be ever present with his people by his Holy Spirit, in all its operations. He showed that whatever is done at the present day in the line of preaching the gospel, whatever is done by those claiming to be evangelists, pastors and teachers, is done by virtue of the original commission given by the Saviour to his disciples, as recorded in Matt. xxviii, 19, 20, and Mark xvi, 15-18. If, then, this commission, still confers upon us the privilege of the proclamation of the gospel, why may we not claim all the advantages which it offers on the same ground? The Lord promised to be with his people. A record of how this promise was fulfilled in the early church, is recorded in Mark xvi, 20. "And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following." It was shown beyond dispute that thus the Lord designed to be with his people, even to the end—a point not yet reached. Sabbath afternoon, preaching by Bro. Loughborough on Mal. ii, 2, showing the importance of our bringing all the tithes into the storehouse, and proving the Lord, according to his direction, lest through our unfaithfulness, the great blessings which he designs to confer upon us, are turned into curses, and we receive them instead. Sunday forenoon, discourse by Bro. Hull, on the Ministration of Angels. Many present from the surrounding neighborhood. Something of an idea may be formed of how densely the house was filled, when we state that the floor refused to sustain the great weight placed upon it. The house had been built with sufficient strength to sustain any ordinary, or even extraordinary crowd. But packing it so densely as it was, subjected it to a pressure to which it was not equal. The central support under the floor gave way, allowing that portion to settle some eight inches. The congregation was dismissed, and the damage speedily and promptly repaired. The appointment for the afternoon was put at 2 P. M.; but the house being ready for occupation again, by request, Bro. White occupied the intervening hour from 1 o'clock, in speaking to a full house upon the seals of Rev. vi, and the events of chapter vii, as relating especially to the affairs of this nation at the present time, and the proclamation of present truth here going forth. He spoke with much freedom, and the rich blessing of the Lord attended the word, which is the best of evidence that the positions taken were in accordance with that wisdom which is from above. At 2 P. M., Bro. Hull resumed and finished his discourse on the Ministration of Angels, a subject full of comfort and encouragement for the people of God. Desires and determinations must have been created or quickened in every heart, to so live that the angels of the Lord that excel in strength, those high and holy beings, may encamp around about us, to be our shield and deliverance in every hour of peril. There were two social meetings, which were seasons of interest and encouragement. Sr. White also spoke several times with usual freedom and power, to the acceptance of all lovers of the pure and straight testimony. Her words cannot fail to have effect upon the hearts and lives of those who heard. The meeting has left a cheering influence with all who were present, so far as we can judge from words and actions. The time which it occupied will be a season of pleasant memory. With what joyous anticipations then may we look forward to that time when the saints shall come from the north, the south, the east, and the west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God. May the Lord brighten our hopes and quicken our desires for glory, honor, and immortality. U. S.