Lovington, Illinois by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 25, 1874

Lovington, Illinois.

By G. W. Colcord

We have been here since July 1, and have spoken to the people forty-eight times. Besides these, Bro. Bliss took part in two public debates on the Sabbath question. The first was with Eld. H. Y. Keller, Disciple, of this place, and continued through four sessions. The friends of Eld. K., feeling dissatisfied with the result, sent for one Eld. Clark Braden, of Pike Co., Ill. He, whom our opposers were pleased to call “one of the stars of the church,” came, and boldly challenged us to re-enter the arena of strife. We counseled with each other, presented our case before the Lord, and decided it duty to meet this defiant man. Two two-hour sessions were occupied in discussing each of the following: Sabbath question, Sunday-Lord’s day (?), Nature of Man, Destiny of the Wicked, and Was the Kingdom, spoken of in Dan. 2:44, established on the day of Pentecost?

Eld. Braden’s harsh spirit, his unkind treatment of Bro. Bliss, and refusal to be called to order by the chairman—in the meantime telling one of the other moderators to “keep his mouth shut!”—told fearfully upon both him as a minister and upon his cause in the minds of a great majority of the large congregation.

We believe the blessed cause has lost nothing in this battle of forty volleys, but has gained many friends, some of whom will walk in its ways till they reach the celestial city. Since the discussion closed, the interest has continued good. Have held four Sabbath meetings and two Bible-classes, or Sabbath-schools.

Have received twenty-nine names for the Review, twelve for the Instructor, and five for the Reformer. Sold about $20.00 worth of publications. Last Sabbath we held our first social meeting. A few spoke, upwards of thirty voted in favor of keeping the Sabbath, and twenty-one adults signed the covenant. Several who are keeping God’s rest-day were not present. Until we can do better, shall meet for public worship on Sabbath days in Lovington school-house.

Instead of the distance and coldness we saw and felt at first, now we have many warm friends. As a token of their appreciation of Bro. Bliss’ “kind and Christian-like deportment through the debate,” the friends raised him a larger sum of money than has been paid out by us since our coming among them. They have our thanks; God bless them. Thanks to all for kindly acts.

We close the tent effort in Lovington this evening; but Bro. and sister Bliss will stay to follow up the interest, perhaps for two weeks; and in the meantime, by request, I shall commence anew in Arthur, Moultrie Co., Ill. Address me there, and Bro. Bliss in Lovington, as before.

G. W. Colcord.

Williamsburg, Ill., Aug. 17, 1874.