Report from the Wis. Tent by Isaac Sanborn; John Matteson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 7, 1866

Report from the Wis. Tent.

By Isaac Sanborn; John Matteson

July 11 to 16, we finished our labors at Utter's Corners for the present. On Sunday we expected to hear another essay from the Methodist Elder. But he had cooled down, and instead of his learned essay, he preached a sermon in plain English, which lasted 30 minutes. We thought the Elder had improved some under the Advent teaching. Yet he tried to prove the immortality of the soul from his text, Rev. ii, 10. He was reviewed in the afternoon before an attentive congregation. After this the Elder made no more attempts to blow, and his misrepresentations of our people are played out, at least in that community.

A few were interested to hear the truth, but we did not think the interest great enough to demand a continuation of our labors, therefore we took down the tent.

We have had an invitation of long standing to come to Whitewater, and we came to the conclusion that it was the will of the Lord that we should go there. We did not expect to see a great interest in this place, but believed this would be the best opportunity to test it.

July 20, we pitched the tent near the center of the village. We have now given thirteen lectures in this place. The congregation has varied from fifty to two hundred. The interest has not been such as we should wish. Yet we find a few honest inquirers after truth here.

We have taken down the tent to-day, but will continue the meetings in a hall, which we think will be more expedient at present. Pray for us, that the Lord may lead on in this good work, and strengthen us to patiently proclaim the truth, whether men will hear or forbear.

ISAAC SANBORN. JOHN MATTESON.

Whitewater, July, 1866.

P. S. We would say to our friends west, that we will visit you as soon as providence permits, and hope that you will meanwhile exercise the patience of the saints.

I. S.