Report from Bro. Sanborn.
By Isaac Sanborn
Bro. White: I commenced meetings Feb. 24, in the town of Gridley, McLean Co., Ill., where I labored one year ago, and left nineteen Sabbath-keepers. The most of them have been faithful. I have just closed another series of meetings among them. For some time previous to my meetings here, the brethren observed every other Sabbath as a day of fasting and prayer, for a revival of God's work in their own hearts, and for the conversion of their neighbors. Their prayers were most signally answered during our meetings. Six were baptized, and a church of twenty-two members was organized. Bro. Wm. H. Slown was ordained elder, under whose faithful watchcare we trust the Lord will build up and strengthen the little band. We had at the close of our meetings a great blessing in attending the ordinances. We also found that much prejudice had been removed from the minds of some, who we trust will soon find their place among the remnant. From Gridley I went to Pontiac, Livingston Co., Ill., and preached twice with success in breaking down prejudice in the minds of some, and convincing others of the truth; and I pray the Lord to help them to obey before it will be too late. From here I went seven miles west of Pontiac, into the neighborhood of Bro. Stratten to hold meetings, but the weather being very bad we had no meetings, but I spoke to the family of Bro. Stratten about four hours the next day, leaving him convinced that the seventh-day is the Sabbath. I pray that the Lord will help him to keep it. Also in a neighborhood east of Pontiac, where the Review and publications are circulated and read, I learned that the people are very anxious to hear preaching. I hope to be able to visit these places soon. After preaching Thursday night in Pontiac, I took the train for Chicago. Got there in time for preaching Friday evening. Preached in all seven times, which created quite an interest in the minds of some, who, I trust, will soon keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. At the close of our meetings we went to Camp Douglas, where three were baptized. The hearts of the little band of Sabbath-keepers seemed to be much encouraged. I trust the faithful labors of Brn. Miller and Stevenson will be greatly blessed of the Lord. I reached home in time to commence meetings in Johnstown Center, March 21, and continued through our Quarterly Meeting. The weather being bad and the roads bad, the attendance was not so large as we had expected; yet we had a very good meeting. Six were baptized and received into the church, and we are still praying that the Lord may bring others in soon. Find myself now at home much worn and tired with my past labors. Many pressing calls for labor are still before me. Will my brethren pray that God may direct me?
ISAAC SANBORN.