p. 78 | Northern Illinois Tent

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 20, 1872

Northern Illinois Tent.

By T. M. Steward; R. F. Andrews

OUR camp-meeting broke up June 4. We pitched our tent the same day in Aledo, and commenced meetings the following evening. We continued till the 17th, preached seventeen discourses and held three prayer and social meetings.

We did not expect to stay a great while in Aledo when we went. Our reasons for going were, First, The weather was so unfavorable on Sabbath and first-day of our camp-meeting, that but few from Aledo could attend, and it was understood that quite a number were anxious to hear our views, especially on the Sabbath question. Secondly. The sects were determined if possible that we should have no opportunity of presenting our views to the people; and now, inasmuch as we had our portable meeting-house on the spot, it was thought best to erect it and see what could be done.

We did not see all accomplished that we desired; but we feel to thank God for what has been done. Bro. Whitham and sister Reed of Aledo have been keeping the Sabbath alone in their respective families for about three and a half years. Their companions are now heart and soul with them in keeping all the commandments of God. There were, besides, two young ladies who took their stand with us. This we feel more than pays for the effort put forth.

In justice to the servants of God who so faithfully labored at our camp-meeting, and especially to sister White, we would state that God greatly blessed their labors to the good of sister Whitham, effectually removing prejudice, and placing her where she could candidly hear and weigh evidence.

The thinking and unbiased all acknowledge that we have the truth, and we have hope that a few will yet be led to obey it.

As we were undecided as to where to pitch our tent, and realizing that the good impressions made and resolutions formed by the young at our camp and tent meetings should be strengthened and nourished, we decided to hold meetings in the large school-house in the neighborhood where our brethren reside, over another Sabbath and first-day.

We are happy to report that ten of the youth have taken a noble stand for God and his truth. On first-day, June 23, nine willing souls followed their Lord in baptism, and on Sabbath, July 20, four more, making in all thirteen added to their number. It is the fervent desire of our hearts that these dear souls may all prove faithful, and reap a rich reward in the kingdom of God. If the church here will make an earnest effort to live out the principles taught by our blessed Saviour, they will have a powerful influence for good in this section of country. God grant that they may, and that the smiles of the Good Shepherd may ever rest upon them and they feel secure under his tender watchcare.

June 27, brethren Greer, Douglass and Ditto, brought our tent, stakes and lumber, to this place, and kindly aided us in pitching it. May the Lord reward these dear brethren, and the entire church at Aledo, for the interest they have manifested in the cause, and for their willingness to bear burdens, and work for the prosperity of the truth, and the good of souls. It is our earnest desire that the spirit of sacrifice may never die out of their hearts.

We have been at Pleasant Green over five weeks; have preached fifty-one discourses. Many of the people are convinced, but it is difficult to get them to act. The United Presbyterians predominate, consequently the people are greatly opposed to changing. Many talk and act as though it would be much more honorable to stick to error, than to turn to truth, and “thus show a vacillating mind”(?)

The hurry of haying and harvesting has been somewhat against us. A few have taken their stand with us, and we have strong hopes that the seeds of truth that have been sown will find good soil in many hearts and bring forth fruit unto eternal life. We remain yet another week. Brethren, pray for us. T. M. STEWARD, R. F. ANDREWS. Pleasant Green, Ill., Aug. 5, 1872.