Untitled article by H. C. Blanchard; R. F. Andrews

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, September 24, 1867

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXX, No. 15

REPORT FROM WISCONSIN.

By H. C. Blanchard; R. F. Andrews

We protracted our meeting at Sand Prairie till the 19th of August. Over twenty came out and took a stand on the Lord's side. Oh that they may have grace to perform their vows and live faithful till Jesus comes. There are others convinced of the truth, who we trust will soon be led to see the importance of obeying it. Although right in the midst of harvest, this was one of the most interesting meetings we ever attended. Much now depends on the course taken by those who profess to believe and obey the truth here. Dear brethren and sisters, "walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called," and thus "show forth the virtues of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

We left for Dell Prairie the 20th, where we arrived on the 22nd. We were glad to see these dear brethren and sisters once more. Bro. Steward had been in the place two days when we arrived, and had a meeting in progress at the school-house. The truth, and those who love and obey it, are much opposed here. Evening after the Sabbath we went to the school-house as usual, to hold our meetings, and found it locked against us. One of the neighbors kindly opened his house for us, and permitted us to use his grove next day. He also furnished lumber and helped us to seat it. We pray that God may reward him for this act of kindness. We held twelve meetings during our stay in the place; baptized two, and organized a church of thirteen members. There were two more who made a start to serve the Lord at this meeting. We hope they will be faithful to the end, and at last reap the rich reward of eternal life in the kingdom of God.

As we parted from these dear brethren and sisters, and friends, we felt attached to them more than ever before. Their kindness and attention to us were greater than we deserved or could expect. We pray that God may abundantly reward them for their kindness to us, and that they may be kept pure and spotless till the appearing of Jesus.

We left for Fish Lake the 29th and arrived at Bro. Thurston's about dark. On the 30th, we wrote some, visited, and made preparations for the Sabbath. When we arrived at the place appointed for meeting Sabbath morning, we found the school-house locked, and the brethren preparing an empty house to hold the meeting in. Here we held our meetings on the Sabbath and evening after the Sabbath, but could have the house no longer. Through the influence of a kind friend, we had the privilege of occupying an unfinished building belonging to the Christian church in Hancock, during the remainder of our stay in the place. Our congregations were small and we could not expect it otherwise, on account of the poor accommodations. The house had not a single light of glass in it, the seats were very uncomfortable, and the evenings quite cool. Still we hope our effort will not be entirely lost. A number are convinced on the Sabbath question, and we have reason to believe that some, at least, will be led to embrace it. The burden of our testimony was the nearness of Jesus' coming, and the necessary preparation for that solemn event. We pray that God may bless these dear brethren and sisters, and help them to labor for themselves and their families, that they may be prepared to meet the Lord when he comes.

We left Fish Lake, Sept. 9th. Traveled to Bro. C. Wright's. Held a meeting at the school-house near his place in the evening. Spoke to a few of his neighbors that came out to hear, from Matt. vii, 21.

The 10th, we traveled to Bro. Farrar's at Kingston. Were glad to meet this dear family once more, and find them still striving for a place in the kingdom of God.

The 11th, we resumed our journey southward, traveling through a very rich farming country. Still, when night overtook us, we could not prevail on any of the inhabitants to entertain us for the night. As our horse was very tired, we even offered to sleep in the barn, but were refused. The people here do not live up to Heb. xiii, 2. We at length reached Waterloo, where we found entertainment at a rum tavern, it being the only hotel in the place.

At 5 o'clock next morning, resumed our journey, breakfasted and fed our horse by the road-side at 7, and a little before noon reached Bro. Olson's, at Oakland, where we were in the midst of kind brethren and sisters once more. Tarried with them over the Sabbath, and tried to encourage them to pursue the narrow path that leads to everlasting life.

Drove to Johnstown Center the 16th, where we expect to stay till after our Convocation Meeting. We hope and pray for a revival of the work of God in all our hearts at this meeting.

H. C. BLANCHARD, R. F. ANDREWS.