p. 189 | GENESEE COUNTY, MICH by Joseph Bates

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 4, 1858

GENESEE COUNTY, MICH.

By Joseph Bates

Bro. SMITH: We have just returned here, after an absence of fifteen days in Genesee Co. We commenced a course of lectures in East Thetford the 12th inst., and closed the 24th. In this interval of time, we gave four lectures in an adjoining neighborhood. As these were places where our position has not been presented, some wished to know what new things these were, and why, if true, they never heard of them before. Others said, Well that is Bible, and you cannot get around it. It has been my belief for a long time that Christ is coming soon, and I believe it is so, &c. The seventh day is the Sabbath if there is any, and I don't see why it is not kept. Others said, These are bad men sowing discord, making divisions, and breaking up the churches; don't you go to hear them. Yes, you say so, but I beg leave to differ from you; we have had all sorts of preaching here within a few years, and no two of them could agree, neither are we all united in one faith; but this sounds like Bible doctrine; I am not afraid to hear what he preaches; after we have heard we can judge for ourselves. I calculate to go and hear for myself, and I want you to hear the subject through, &c., &c. Notwithstanding all such rumors, many became deeply interested to hear about the Second Coming of Christ, the Angel's Messages, Bible Sabbath, &c.

In East Thetford, where we spent the most of our time, we found ten who had commenced keeping the Sabbath some months previous. Review for Oct, 14th, has Bro. M. C. Butler's call for help for the same. Bro. Austin and wife being several miles from Bro. B.'s, wrote for help also, and their letter was published in the S. D. B. Recorder, with a request from the Ed. that one of their ministers would visit that field of labor and help them. Bro. and Sr. A. came to our meetings and became fully decided to walk in the light of the Third Angel's Message. Sr. Austin with four others followed their Lord and Master in the ordinance of baptism last First day. Several others, not quite so clear on baptism as they wish to be, are deferring their duty for a season. Some others have decided to keep the Sabbath with them. Besides, some four families are convinced of their duty but are not decided to commence until they search a little deeper. The Lord help them to do their whole duty. JOSEPH BATES. Lapeer, Lapeer Co. Mich, Oct. 12th, 1858.

P. S. The brethren here wish me to say they expect Bro. Waggoner to be here at the Conference, in case Bro. White does not return in season. The house will be finished by or before the time of the meeting. J. B.