Report from Bro. Byington.
By John Byington
BRO. WHITE: I left Memphis Nov. 6, and spent the following Sabbath with Bro. Lawrence at Oakland. This church resolved last December to have a house 32 x 46 ready to meet in for worship in three months. This resolution was kept by them, and now they have a convenient place of worship, which is necessary for the prosperity of every church. I felt that our meetings with this church were profitable to us all. Our meeting closed Monday evening, when I think all resolved to be more spiritual, and more diligent in the work of God. Nov. 14, 15, and 16, I spent with the church in Lapeer. I felt freedom in presenting truth to them, but our social meetings were cloudy and dark. But with patience and labor wrongs that had for some time existed were confessed and removed, and the church unitedly again resolved to arise and move forward. While here one night, as I lay down to rest, I could not sleep. I looked for the cause of difficulties and trials in our churches. My impression then was almost as great as though a voice had spoken to me, that the cause in almost every case is evil speaking. We want all wrongs righted; we intend to deal faithfully with each other; but brethren err and speak of faults in each other's absence. Little things are magnified; many things supposed, that are not true; and jealousy and hatred takes the place of love. Dear brethren in every church, will you, will you put away evil speaking? The 17th and 18th I spent with the brethren in Hadley. We had three meetings, and baptized eight, most of them the fruit of the tent-meeting. Dear Bro. and sister Higley came to this meeting. Their labors for the sick and the church will be rewarded in the great day. We arrived here at Bro. Lockwood's home for pilgrims last evening, well nigh worn down, but feel rested to-day. Hartland, Mich., Nov. 20, 1863.