Fosterburg, Ill by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 21, 1871

Fosterburg, Ill.

By G. W. Colcord

LEFT home, Nov. 29, for South-western Ill. Stopped with friends in Moline and Rock Island, till after the Sabbath, Dec. 3, when I started down the Mississippi, not knowing where I should terminate my journey, but asking the Lord to guide me aright.

Came to Woodburn on the 8th, having been detained on the Lower Rapids one day. Spoke to the church fourteen times, met with them in their Bible-class and social meeting six times, and in ordinance meeting once.

Dec. 18, in company with Bro. Young, went to Fosterburg, Madison Co., to make arrangements for meetings there. Found favorable surroundings, a class of people ready, and even anxious, to hear, and a village school-house voted open to all.

Commenced to labor here Dec. 22. Closed the effort Feb. 1. Good interest to hear from the first, which continued to increase to the last. At our last public meeting, Jan. 31, had a good congregation of attentive hearers; feelings of friendship were manifested with ardor and warmth. Such manifestations are worth far more than argument to a people already convinced. The like, they say, was never known in Fosterburg. To the Lord be all the praise. One of the causes which led to such pleasing results, was the unwearied effort of our Woodburn brethren and sisters to be present, and aid in the singing. This showed them to be in earnest; and I pray that this good example may be followed by our brethren all over the wide field.

Tried to speak to the people twenty-six times, besides twice at “Mt. Olive Church,” by invitation. Gave away several dollars’ worth of our tracts to those who were not able to buy. Sold five dollars’ worth. Received five new subscribers for the REVIEW, and two for the Instructor.

Twelve, or more, have said they would keep the Lord’s Sabbath. A few more are to be hoped for. They stand in need of efficient aid, which we hope may be sent them.

The Lord repay the kindness I received, both at Woodburn, and Fosterburg.

G. W. COLCORD.