Report from Bro. Byington.
BRO. WHITE: Since our annual conference last spring, I have visited churches as follows: Allegan, Otsego, Charlotte, Convis, Burlington, Parkville, and Newton. At the last-named place three were baptized, and at Burlington, two. The above occupied my time, excepting two Sabbaths at home in feeble health, to August 6, when myself and companion left home for Northern Michigan. We spent Sabbath the 8th, and three days following, with the church in Caledonia. Here we had six meetings, and with the help of our good brethren from Monterey, difficulties were adjusted, and the church covenanted again unitedly to move forward. The 12th, had a meeting with the church in Lowell; Sabbath and first-day, 15th and 16th, had four meetings with the churches at West Plains, Fair Plains, and Orleans, all meeting at their new meeting-house at Fair Plains. We felt much freedom here, and at our last meeting, in attending to the ordinances we felt our hearts were one. The 17th, met the church at North Plains at the house of Bro. Leander Kellogg, and were glad to see all encouraged to move forward. Here, two had lately embraced the truth. Spent the 18th and 19th with the church in Greenbush. Here is a little church of loving brethren. Bro. Loughborough and myself last November here encouraged the children to give their hearts to God, and go with the church. They had thought they were too young, but from this time began bearing the cross, which satisfied their parents that it was the work of God, and at our last meeting with them, six were baptized and united with the church. The 20th, also the 24th on our return from St. Charles, we had meetings with the church in Chesaning. The church were encouraged, and some who had wandered from the truth promised to return. Sabbath and first-day, 22d and 23d, had four meetings with the church in St. Charles. Our visit to this church was timely, as they very much needed help. I think the snare of the enemy was broken, and I hope they will not again be brought into bondage. They were very much encouraged. The 26th and 27th, had meetings with the church in Woodhull, where we met Bro. Bates, who remained to spend the Sabbath with them. I hope the church here will make more thorough efforts to arise, put away their idols and get consecrated to God. Sabbath and first-day, 29th and 30th, we spent with the church in Locke. Organization has done good here. Seven were baptized—children and youth who started when here last winter with Bro. L. I believe not one had given up that then for the first time made an effort, in all some fourteen. Parents, and the church generally, should feel great responsibility for the youth and children in this place. We expect to be at Oneida next Sabbath. Report from Bro. Frisbie.
BRO. WHITE: I closed my lectures east of Charlotte, last first-day evening. The interest was much better than I anticipated when I commenced meetings there. I tried to ascertain how many had made up their minds to keep the Sabbath, and as near as I could learn, there are some fifteen that have decided. Some others were investigating, for whom I have hope. The Tent Meeting last summer held by Bro. Loughborough and Hull, has left favorable impressions on the minds of many. Some were then convinced who do not yet act, while others are closing their eyes to the light who were powerfully convicted of the truth. What a solemn message is the third angel's message, the last message of mercy to fallen man! I am now at home, and find our youngest boy very sick, but on the gain. I have been absent from home nine weeks and three days, and expect to start out again in a short time. Chelsea, Mich., Aug. 25, 1863.