Your ShelfYour Projects

Meetings in Gratiot Co., Mich

10%

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 7, 1865

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 25, No. 14.

Read the full edition

Meetings in Gratiot Co., Mich.

By I. D. Van Horn; D. M. Canright

BRO. WHITE: When we made our last report, we had just completed the organization at Ithaca.
Jan. 7 to 14, we spent with the friends in Alma, we were received here with gladness, and we have had some good meetings with them. Soon after we left with the tent, those who had become interested in the truth, gave up their Sabbath meetings, and, on coming here, we found many of them quite discouraged. Our visit to Alma, therefore, was much needed, and we can say that much good has been the result. They now have regular meetings, and a good Sabbath school and Bible class established, which are attended by an average of forty who take a lively interest in the work.
Jan. 15 to Feb. 19, we were engaged in giving a course of lectures in a neighborhood six miles west of Alma. At the beginning of our meeting there was a good deal of prejudice in the minds of the people, but when we had been with them about two weeks, it began to give way before the light of truth, and many became much interested. The third Sunday we took an expression of the people on the Sabbath question, when thirty-seven voted for the Sabbath of the Lord, and only two against it. We stayed here two weeks longer and held two Sabbath meetings with them. There were about forty in attendance each time. These were good meetings, and the blessing of the Lord was richly bestowed upon us. The first and most substantial citizens of the community have become lovers of present truth.
The result of this effort is this: We have given forty-six lectures, and sold $30,00 worth of Office publications, besides about $25,00 worth of Bibles, Charts, and Spiritual Gifts. Between twenty-five and thirty have heartily entered into the work of keeping all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We have obtained ten new subscribers for the Review.
During our stay here, one of us met with the brethren and sisters at Alma every Sabbath, by which they have been much encouraged, and several others have embraced the truth.
The first Sabbath and Sunday in Feb. we attended the Monthly Meeting at Ithaca. Our Sabbath meeting was one of the best we ever attended at this place. The Lord was with us, and we felt like giving him all the praise for his goodness to us. On Sunday morning we gave a discourse on Systematic Benevolence, after which a business meeting was held, and the plan was unanimously adopted and entered into by the church, to the amount of $182,00 per year. At this meeting six united with the church, which numbers now forty-one. This church are trying to make sure work, that they may have a place with the people of God in the home of the saints. They have a very interesting Sabbath school in which all take part and try to do their duty.
The cause of truth is prospering in Gratiot Co. A good work has been begun, and we hope it may continue until many shall be brought to the saving knowledge of the truth.
Brethren in Michigan, pray to the Lord, in behalf of the cause in Gratiot, that he may bring up a people here that shall be prepared to stand with the remnant on Mount Zion.
We are now holding meetings in St. Louis. Pray for us. I. D. VAN HORN. D. M. CANRIGHT.