Report of Labors in Michigan
By P. Strong
BRO. WHITE: After leaving home, Dec. 18, 1864, I met with the church at Otsego. Here I had good liberty in presenting the truth. The brethren in this place feel a desire to draw nearer to God. Sabbath the 24th, was at Orleans. The brethren from Fair Plains joined with us. There is much interest manifested here in their social meetings, and Bible-class. Sabbath the 31st, at Fair Plains. Had the privilege for the first time of hearing Bro. Byington. It has been a great benefit to me, as well as others. The Quarterly gatherings are having a good effect, and the brethren look forward to them with pleasure. Sabbath, Jan. 7, met with the brethren in Winfield, Bro. Rust's neighborhood. Preached three times. Found the cause here much better than I expected. Though some find it hard to give up the things of the world, and the lusts of the flesh, yet we do hope that the third angel's cleansing message will sink deep enough into their hearts to drive out the old man, and all of their hankerings after Egypt. Tuesday the 10th, commenced lectures again in Bushnell. The interest had somewhat died out since I left, owing to an undercurrent of opposition raised by their professed watchmen. They say we are right, on the Sabbath, and that on doctrinal points they have no business with us, but still they are satisfied that we are the false teachers of the last days, and that the Devil is in us, leading away the people. Query: Will the Devil ever lead any one to keep all of God's commandments? But the people still wish to hear for themselves. Some have decided to obey the commandments, and keep the truth. We labor still in hope that others will be gathered in. We shall continue our meetings this week at least. Pray for us. P. STRONG.
Bushnell, Mich. Jan. 25, 1865.