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REPORT FROM WIS

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 10, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 31, No. 13.

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REPORT FROM WIS.

By H. C. BLANCHARD; R. F. ANDREWS

According to appointment, we commenced meetings with the church at Little Prairie, Wis., Jan. 3, 1868, and continued laboring with them till the 21st. We found this church in some trial; but the truth took effect, and wrongs were confessed without any perplexing church meetings. How much better for brethren and sisters to settle their own difficulties than to burden others with them.
The meetings were held in their new meeting-house. These brethren have set a worthy example in the building of their house of worship. It is 28x40 feet, neatly finished, painted inside and out, costing the sum of $1500, and is entirely paid for. Bro. Sanborn was with us Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 4 and 5, and preached the dedication sermon. The result of the meetings was as follows: First, the brethren were united together and encouraged. Second, eight started in the service of the Lord, seven of whom were buried with their Lord by baptism, and added to the church. God grant that they may walk in newness of life. Third, others were convinced that they ought to serve the Lord, who, we hope, will ere long come out decidedly on the Lord’s side.
We left for Hundred Mile Grove, the 21st. Were entertained over night at Madison by Bro. Hiestand. Here, Bro. Holliday met us, and carried us to Bro. Smith’s, the 22nd. We labored together till the 29th, when I left to attend the Quarterly Meeting at Sand Prairie, while Bro. Blanchard continued laboring at Hundred Mile Grove.
The meeting at Sand Prairie was truly a cheering one. There were several brethren and sisters present from Waukon, Iowa, who added greatly to the interest of the meeting. We had a refreshing season while attending to the ordinances of the Lord’s house. The brethren and sisters were much encouraged, and five made a start in the service of the Lord at this meeting.
Returned to Hundred Mile Grove, Feb. 4. Our meetings here were not as interesting as we desired. This was attributable in part, to coldness and lack of energy on the part of the brethren. Still there has some good resulting from this meeting. One brother that had been in despair for some time, and, thinking he had committed the unpardonable sin, had given up trying to serve the Lord, was extracted from the net of the enemy, and is now putting forth efforts to overcome. Four others commenced to keep all of God’s commandments. Oh! that they may be faithful and endure to the end.
Feb. 5, we left for Mauston. Staid over night with Bro. Kelly of Baraboo. Held meeting in the evening. Next day, went to Kilbourn City where we were kindly entertained by sister Linnell. Feb. 7, arrived at Mauston. Bro. E. R. Tillotson took his team and carried us all the way, a distance of seventy miles, for which he has our thanks.
We found the church in a very low condition, and we were fearful that our labors would be fruitless in the place. We remained with them till the 19th. The result was that the brethren and sisters were revived, humble confessions and new determinations were made, which, if carried out, will be a lasting blessing to the cause and themselves.
Some that had been in a backslidden state for years, and had given up the truth, were reclaimed, and a number have made a start in the service of the Lord. Five were added to the church by baptism, and we are satisfied a much greater work would have been done, if the church had set the example they ought to have set in the past. We ardently desire that our brethren may speedily realize the solemn responsibility resting upon them, to exemplify before all with whom they have to do the sacred truths they profess to believe.
The 19th and 20th, we visited and held meetings with the brethren at Dell Prairie. Sister Linnell’s husband took a decided stand on the Lord’s side at our first meeting. We pray that he may endure to the end, and at last receive a crown of life.
The little company here are still trying to march toward Mount Zion. God grant that their union, love, and zeal, may abound more and more, and that they may be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord Jesus.
Feb. 21, came to Trenton Center where we write this report. Have held four meetings with the brethren. There are but few Sabbath-keepers here, but all seem to be engaged in the work. Owing to a severe wind and snow storm on first-day, the 23rd, we had but one meeting, and but few attended that. The roads are drifted full, and it now snows. We calculate to go to Mackford as soon as the roads are passable. Brethren, pray for us.
H. C. BLANCHARD. R. F. ANDREWS. Trenton Center, Wis., Feb. 24, 1868.