p. 173 | MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, March 17, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 11

MICHIGAN

Hazleton, March 9.—From the general meeting at St. Charles I came to this place and began a series of meetings on Thursday evening, Feb. 26. For two years this church has been passing through serious trials, and the effect has been in a great measure to grieve the Spirit of God, thus leaving the members in a cold and backslidden state. Our object in coming here was to assist the church in an effort to get out of this condition.

Up to date we have given ten discourses, and held seven prayer-meetings, with encouraging results. After the discourse Sabbath morning, Feb. 28, an invitation was given for those to come forward who had been wandering in the dark, but desired to break away and come into the light again. About twenty-five came out. Among them was a lady who had once belonged to the M. E. church, but had been in a backslidden state for years. So the good work began.

On Tuesday evening, March 3, though it was a very stormy night, about sixty came out to prayer-meeting, and we felt the movings of the Spirit with us. Two more arose for prayers. At our next prayer-meeting, Friday evening, March 6, another invitation was given, and eight responded. Among these were four who had made no profession. Sabbath, the 7th, was another good day for us, for others made an effort to get into the light again.

We have visited what we could, and have held four afternoon prayer-meetings at private houses with encouraging results. A large proportion of the church are seeking by prayer and confession for a closer connection with Heaven. We pray that the work may go on till all, young and old, have the evidence of acceptance with God. The outside attendance is good, and by many a deep interest is manifested. Many are troubled over their condition, and we hope to see others yielding to the claims of the truth. We are fortunate in having the valuable services of Sr. Hattie Enoch in preaching and visiting. Brethren, pray for the work at Hazleton. Shall remain as long as the interest may demand.

Geo. H. Randall.

Colfax.—The general meeting at this place was designed for the benefit of the cause in Northern Michigan. The weather at the time of the meeting was mild, and the roads good, considering the depth of snow that was on the ground. Many showed their interest in the cause by attending, some coming long distances. Undoubtedly many more ought to have been there. However, as it was, the district was quite well represented. The time was well occupied from the beginning to the close of the meeting. The labor was about the same as is usual on such occasions. It was divided between preaching, tract work, Sabbath-school work, and endeavoring to better the spiritual condition of the people. The interest was good from first to last; but here as elsewhere, the perils and pressure of the last days are felt, and we are sorry to say that upon some these things are making their impressions. At first quite a gloom hung over the meeting; but before it closed there was a rift in the cloud, and the sunlight of truth was accompanied by the tender, melting Spirit of the Lord. More than thirty came forward for prayers. Some were seeking the Lord for the first time. Confessions were made and testimonies borne with tears.

There is a great demand here for laborers. Ministers are wanted to enter fields already white for the harvest. More missionaries are needed to sow the precious seeds of truth on soil now ready and waiting. And none the less are fathers and mothers in Israel wanted to labor for those already under conviction of sin. No help could even be promised; and the only hope is that the Lord will raise up of themselves laborers to fill this demand. We never saw the call for laborers in Michigan so urgent, and apparently so few to respond. The Colfax church gladly cared for those who attended the meeting, and were disappointed that they did not have more to entertain. The greatest need was a good place to hold the meetings. On this occasion they were held in a large schoolhouse. Many extra seats were put in and filled. The church here, though not blest with abundance of this world's goods, have a meeting-house in contemplation. A vote that they should build one was carried during this gathering. The interests of the cause most certainly demand the house.

The friends left Colfax feeling that they had enjoyed a profitable season while together. We pray that the good work begun there may spread through the district. We were glad to meet Dr. Lay and wife. He is engaged in the missionary work, and is laboring to increase the interest in this branch of the cause throughout the district.

These general meetings, where we have to come face to face with God's searching truth, and where we meet and see the interests and demands of the cause as we cannot see them at our homes, are becoming more and more important as we near the end. Those who do not attend them suffer a great loss. We believe that all, whether in this State or elsewhere, when they see appointments for such meetings should at once make their calculations to attend. The times in which we live are perilous for our eternal interests, beyond what they are usually supposed to be, and we need every means of grace within our reach that we may rise above their tendency and gain eternal life.

J. Fargo. I. D. Van Horn. M. B. Miller.