Labors in Michigan by John Byington

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 27, 1865

Labors in Michigan.

By John Byington

Bro. White: I spent Sabbath, May 27, with the church in Newton. This church now numbers more than at any previous time. Our meeting was well attended, and I think our brethren here will yet get nearer the Lord.

June 3, I was with the church in Caledonia. Here are some honest souls that I believe purpose to live it through, come what will. They have an interesting Sabbath School. The youth are attentive, and some of them converted. But it has seemed to be the lot and portion of this church to have trial and division among them. At our business meeting we tried to search for the wrong, and two were disfellowshiped, all being satisfied that it was not duty to bear longer with them. Others made hearty confessions, and we hope will be more watchful in the future. The individual was called upon to prove the accusations that he had circulated widely against Bro. Hardy. But not the least evidence was brought. We offered longer time to bring evidence, but it was not desired. Therefore the church considered the reports slanderous and untrue. Bro. H. confessed to neglect of duty, but I believe will try to rise.

As I had to return to Battle Creek, it made me about one hundred miles travel, mostly by private conveyance, to reach my next appointment in Oneida. By riding in the dust and hot sun, I felt well nigh overcome, but felt the Spirit resting upon me; and my meetings here on the Sabbath were refreshing. I had one meeting on first-day (quite a number of outsiders were in), and then went six miles to attend to baptism. To-day am getting some rested.

JOHN BYINGTON.

Grand Ledge, June 12, 1865.