Report from Bro. Lawrence.
By R. J. Lawrence
BRO. WHITE: Sabbath, February 20, I met with the church in Shelby. But a few out, on account of sickness. The church there are struggling on for victory. Last Thursday I came to Memphis. Visited some on Friday. The church met in the evening, at the meeting house, for a conference meeting. A large number were out. Some forty testimonies were given. Bro. E. S. Griggs is here, and assisted in the meetings by his prayers and exhortations. I am happy to report that harmony prevails in the church here, while the enemy is raging without. The ministers have been and are doing all they can to sour the minds of the people against us, by holding up our books to ridicule, especially "Which, Mortal or Immortal," and the visions. But the Lord causes the wrath of man to praise him; for while some of the same cast are delighted with the foaming out of their own shame, others are disgusted with them; and it has a tendency to keep up investigation among the brethren, and also to cause them to press together. I preached Sabbath. This was followed by an interesting Bible-class, numbering about forty, and a Sabbath-school numbering about thirty scholars. I preached again in the evening to a large congregation, notwithstanding the darkness and the mud. At this, a unanimous vote was taken, to petition the Conference Committee to appoint and hold the next approaching State Conference with the church in Memphis, and also to dedicate their meeting-house, which is in process of completion. The job of finishing is let to two brethren, and they expect to have it done the first week in May. The work progresses nobly, although the report is currently circulated that Bro. Saulsbury will have to sell his farm to pay for the house, and all that join us will have to deed their property to Mrs. White. Strange that the enemy will beat out his own brains so foolishly. First-day P. M., the church met to pay in their systematic subscriptions, at which the way was opened for the reception of members, when five gave in their names and were received into membership. We then adjourned to Bro. Phillips', where the church for the first time enjoyed the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord's house. We had a solemn, melting time. I expect to return home to-morrow, then to Lapeer to spend next Sabbath. Yours in hope,
R. J. LAWRENCE.