p. 111 | Evangelistic Work in Illinois

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 28, 1869

Evangelistic Work in Illinois

By B. F. Merritt; C. H. Bliss

From Brn. Merritt and Bliss.

This is one of the richest and most beautiful portions of our country. Perhaps no part promises better for advancement in wealth and intelligence. As yet but little has been done here to diffuse a knowledge of present truth. But two or three churches have been established. We ardently hope to see the light that has dawned upon us, increase and shine abroad. Last spring Bro. C. H. Bliss and myself went to the village of Rochester and held about twenty meetings. A few commenced keeping the Sabbath. Others in that vicinity are interested, and we hope the truth will be so recommended by those that have embraced it, that they may be led to keep all God's commandments. We hope to hold some meetings in the vicinity of Rochester this fall. May the Lord bless his cause there.

In July, we went to a neighborhood about seven miles east of Paxton to hold meetings. We held, in all, about fifty meetings in that vicinity. Many were anxious to hear. Some gladly embraced the truth. Others are investigating. Six were baptized. We cannot say how many are keeping the Sabbath, but enough have come out to make us hope to see a flourishing church there. Bro. Bliss will be with them this winter.

Aug. 28, 29, attended a quarterly meeting with the church at Gridley. These, we think, were profitable meetings, but there was not so much freedom, so much of that melting spirit, and willingness to lay all upon the altar manifested as we like to see at such meetings. Some of the brethren have recently left there, which leaves but a small church.

Sept. 4, 5, attended the quarterly meeting at Princeville. Had a good meeting. This is the first meeting of the kind we have held in the absence of Brn. Blanchard. We miss him much. Two were baptized during this meeting, and five joined our number.

We feel like working for the Master. The cause is precious to us. We desire to see it advanced in this part of the field. We would be glad to have an experienced man come into Central Illinois to help us.

B. F. MERRITT, C. H. BLISS.

Princeville, Ill., Sept. 15, 1869.