REPORT FROM BRN. STEWARD AND BLANCHARD by H. C. Blanchard; T. M. Steward

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 25, 1868

REPORT FROM BRN. STEWARD AND BLANCHARD.

By H. C. Blanchard; T. M. Steward

BRO. SMITH: After attending the Quarterly Meeting at Avon, in company with Bro. H. C. Blanchard, I came to Dell Prairie. We found the little church here sadly disappointed to have the Convocation withdrawn, but determined to bear it patiently and still hope on. We spent the Sabbath with them, praying earnestly for the Lord to open the way before us, and give us wisdom to walk in the path of duty. On first-day, however, a team-load came to the Convocation. After learning that it was taken up, they were about to return disappointed. We made some inquiries, learning that there were some in a neighborhood about seven miles from the Prairie who wanted to hear. I sent an appointment. But after they had left we concluded that as the tent was already here, and that was a new field, we would pitch the tent if the way opened. After making it a subject of prayer, we went to see the people. Everything worked favorably. So we pitched the tent in a central place, in a beautiful grove near a fine spring of water. We had but little time to circulate our appointment, and we had but few out on first-day. We have held meetings every evening through the week, with the interest steadily increasing as the notice was extended, until yesterday (first-day), we had about 450 hearers, while we presented to their consideration the subjects of the Sabbath of the Bible, the Worship of the Beast, noticed the Sunday arguments, and then the Seal of God. They gave good attention, and deep solemnity seemed to pervade the entire congregation; and our meeting closed at 9 P. M., with a solemn impression on the minds of the people. Some have already decided to keep the Sabbath, while others are almost persuaded to obey. May the Lord help them.

We would express our gratitude to God for his help thus far, and we humbly beg the continuation of his favor, that our meeting may result in much good. We have faith to believe the Lord sent us here, and that there is something he wants us here for. The people in this vicinity are Christian, Methodists, Freewill Baptists, &c. We continue our meetings as long as the interest may demand. If any of our brethren wish to come and spend Sabbath and first-day with us, they will find us eleven miles from Portage City, and one and a half miles from Briggsville, nine miles from Kilbourn City, and two miles from Big Springs. Pray for us. H. C. BLANCHARD. T. M. STEWARD.