Meetings in Eastern Mich.
By I. D. Van Horn
Bro. White: According to appointment I have visited the churches in the eastern district, and I have no discouraging report to make. The meetings have been a season of rejoicing to me, and, I trust, of profit to the brethren and sisters, and to the cause. March 24-26, I was with the church at Owasso. We had four profitable meetings with this little band in which all manifested a zeal for the truth, and seemed to take new courage to make their way through to the kingdom. While here, the Lord manifested his willingness to hear, and do for his people by restoring the sick in answer to prayer. We felt to give all the honor and glory to his holy name. March 27-30, I held meetings in Linden. The brethren and sisters in Tyrone, met with us, they having made arrangements thus, to better accommodate some of their number who do not often enjoy such privileges. Application was made for the meeting-house, which had been built by the people for the use of all denominations, but the Presbyterians who had control of it, refused to let us occupy it. The people were somewhat stirred up by this refusal, and although we were obliged to hold our meetings in a ball-room, yet it was well filled with attentive listeners to the truth. We had good freedom in trying to explain to this people the important place we now occupy in this world's history, and that we should make a wise improvement of the time given us, that we may be ready to stand before the Son of man. On the whole this was a good meeting. Cheering testimonies were borne by the brethren and sisters, and quite an earnest effort manifested to get nearer the Lord. April 1st and 2nd, I was with the brethren and sisters at Milford. This little company have been passing through severe trials, which have had a tendency to bring discouragement upon those who may have the truth at heart. The Lord gave freedom in hearing the straight testimony, his spirit rested upon us, and as it moved from heart to heart there was a breaking down before it; wrongs were confessed, and we trust a feeling of union and love once more prevailed in their midst. Oh that the sanctifying influence of the truth might pervade every heart, that our lives might be brought into subjection to the will of God, and we be prepared to act a part in the last work of the message. April 5-11, I spent in holding meetings with the Oakland church. During the time, I gave six lectures in Rochester. The interest to hear the truth was not the best, yet I trust the meetings were not in vain. The Shelby church have disbanded and united with the brethren at Oakland. We had eight interesting meetings in their house of worship, one a social, in which fifty-two testimonies were borne, in about one hour, to the encouragement of all present. This church is now in a growing condition. May the blessing of the Lord attend them that they may hold out faithful to the end. April 14-17, I enjoyed a happy season at Memphis. It is truly cheering to meet those with whom we have formed a happy acquaintance, and find them still maintaining an interest, and warm love for the truth. The cheering testimonies that the brethren and sisters gave during these meetings, showed their willingness to do all in their power to obtain a right to the tree of life, by keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We were glad to meet our much esteemed brother in Christ, H. S. Gurney, who has lately removed to this place, from Jackson, Mich. He will be a source of strength and encouragement to the cause here, and his talents will be appreciated by all lovers of present truth. At a business meeting of the church, he was chosen by a unanimous vote to occupy the position of Elder. May the Lord give him wisdom and discretion that he may clearly discern his duty, and thus move in the fear and approbation of God. We look back upon the meetings held with the different churches with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. We have formed many new and happy acquaintances, and we hope we may all prove faithful, that we may be brought safely through to the kingdom of God. Yours in hope of life.