Michigan Conference Items.
THE whole number of churches represented by delegate or letter at our late Conference was forty-two. Two churches have disbanded the past year by uniting with others; and two new churches have united with the Conference. Three or four more companies of Sabbath-keepers are waiting to be organized and joined to the Conference. Whole number of members in the organized churches represented, 1214. Additions of members during the year, 263, losses 135, leaving a net increase of membership, of 128. The great majority of those reported by the churches as losses, are not departures from the truth, but those who have simply changed their location, and moved away from their respective churches. The whole amount of s. b. funds pledged within the Conference for the coming year is $5291,77. Amount pledged to the Conference fund for tent operations and support of ministers, is $3763,93. Increase of s. b. over last year $1497,73. Increase of amount pledged to Conference fund $1856,93. We enter upon this year with most cheering prospects. It is encouraging that the churches so universally adhere to the admirable and scriptural plan of systematic benevolence that exists among us, and that they have, as a general thing, so liberally increased their figures for the coming year. It is encouraging also that the pledges to the Conference fund are so nobly increased, being nearly double what they were last year, as first pledged, and nearly equal to the whole amont of s. b. for that year. There is no-lack of means in the ranks of Sabbath-keepers, and there seems to be no lack of disposition in their hearts to use it liberally for the advancement of this good cause. The fields are already white for the harvest, and the winds are being held that the message may do its work. Let the people of God prepare themselves for the work, and what shall hinder it from moving onward in power?