p. 364 | MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · June 3, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 23

MICHIGAN

Clyde, Allegan Co.—Have just closed a ten-days' discussion at this place with Eld. Scott, on the Sabbath and law, and the state of the dead. The weakness of the positions taken by Eld. S. have greatly strengthened those who have recently embraced the truth here.

The blessing of the Lord was with us Sabbath, the 22d. A church was organized with sixteen members; others will unite with them soon. On Sunday, twelve persons, all heads of families, were baptized in a beautiful lake six miles from the place of meeting. The baptismal scene was an impressive one. The concourse of people was large, and the best of order prevailed. At the close of the baptism we knelt at the water's edge, and an elder and a deacon were ordained. A Sabbath-school was fully organized, with a membership of forty. They have the record and class books, and twenty copies of the weekly Instructor are taken.

Eld. R. C. Horton was with me on the Sabbath, and rendered efficient aid. Bro. H. is with us on all points of faith, and it is now expected that we will unite in tent labor the coming season.

H. M. KENYON.

May 27.

Greenbush, Duplain, and Ovid.—May 14-18, we were with the church at Greenbush and Duplain. They had had no ministerial help for about a year and a half, yet nearly all were in good spirits. We made a special effort to have every family who had not already done so, supply themselves with the three volumes of Spirit of Prophecy. We met with good success in this work, also in soliciting renewals for the REVIEW, Good Health, and the College Record; and we obtained some new subscribers. All promised to pay the tithe, and all but two add the one-third. They renewed for a club of the Signs. Book sales amounted to over $30. In the vicinity of this church there is a promising opening for a course of lectures, which we hope to see filled soon. Bro. D. Sevy, who had sent $25 to the Office toward the $10,000 to be used in circulating Sister White's works, handed me $75 more to be added to this fund. On the whole, our hearts were much cheered by this visit.

Tuesday, May 18, we came to Ovid, where we remained only two days. This church has had very little help since the truth was first preached here. They have lately been visited by one who may properly be called a wolf in sheep's clothing, as he professes to be a S. D. Adventist, while he opposes the Testimonies and the health reform. I advised them not to countenance him. Some have given up the truth, but the majority have remained faithful. All the families but one supplied themselves with Spirit of Prophecy, and are to have daily readings. They have been faithful in paying the tithe and the added one-third. They have a club of the Signs, and maintain Wednesday evening prayer-meetings. Although this church is composed of sisters who are poor, yet the spirit of sacrifice and do-something manifested by them ought to shame some of our brethren who have from seventy to one hundred acres of land, and yet put into the Lord's treasury $2.00 or $3.00 per year. As might be expected, we found no church trials among them. On the whole, we left them much refreshed in spirit. May they all continue to walk in love.

A. O. BURKILL.

Bay Co.—April 26, I began meetings in the meeting-house controlled by the Methodists, though built by the people for a union house. I gave six discourses, with a good and rising interest. But on Sunday, the Methodist preacher and his wife came from an adjoining town, armed with smut and blacking from books written against our people and the truth. For over two hours the people who remained were compelled to listen to the meanest kind of slander. I gave notice that I would reply in the evening at my regular appointment. Before the hour the preacher and his wife went into the desk, having brought with them a regular self-appointed police force to prevent my occupying the desk on that Sunday night. On arriving at the house I found it crowded, and I was told that my life was in danger, as an armed mob were stationed through the house! The preacher's wife was in the desk speaking, so I was compelled to go on to the platform and raise my voice above that of the woman, the threats of the mob, etc. I succeeded, at last, in gaining a hearing, and pleaded for the right to fill my appointment without molestation. But it was soon manifest that there would be trouble. The preacher had demanded the keys of the church, saying, “I am chairman of the board of trustees, and I decide that the general doctrines of the Adventists are heterodox, and as pastor of this church I demand the keys.”

After reviewing the circumstances, the conduct of the preacher, his wife and the mob, as I had freedom to do, I said, “Now if the trustees and citizens will not take the responsibility of saying that I shall speak here, I shall quietly retire.” Mr. Root then offered the use of his new and commodious hall. We then cried out, “All who are for free speech and fair play, and are not afraid to hear both sides, come over to Mr. Root's Hall.” There was a rush for seats, and about 150 listened to our defense. The result has proved that “they can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” The reaction in our favor, for miles around, has been tremendous, and many have been led to inquire after our belief who had no interest before. In school-houses and private houses, people would hear, and take books to read. Several have already decided for the truth, and we are now arranging for regular Sabbath meetings. The truth which is to gather the remnant still enrages the dragon, and our experience here shows how the Lord can make the wrath of men to praise him, and restrain the remainder. To God be the praise; for the truth shines brighter than ever. We thank God, and take courage.

M. E. CORNELL.