Southern Illinois by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 13, 1875

Southern Illinois.

By G. W. Colcord

JAN. 22, met Bro. R. F. Andrews in Lovington, where he and Bro. Bliss had been holding meetings one week. Our friends had raised (in cash and pledges) a sum equal to the debt incurred in building our house of worship; and, on first-day, the 17th, the house was dedicated to the worship of God. Our enemies had scouted the idea of our “building a church!” We humbly say, “It is the Lord’s doings.”

Monday, the 25th, three were baptized, and a church of sixteen members organized. Systematic Benevolence was explained, and adopted by some; others waited to understand more fully, its direct claims on them. We desire that all our brethren and sisters, not only at Lovington, but throughout this part of the State, should see their situation, and realize their duty in this respect. Has it not cost time, money, and human strength, to bring these sacred truths to you? Are we grateful to God for the last message of mercy? If so, we shall manifest it in our acts. Prayerfully read Luke 12:29–36; 1 Cor. 16:2; Jas. 5:1–8; and, in view of the Judgment, act in accordance with the instructions given.

Bro. Bliss had gone to Cumberland Co. before I arrived; Bro. Andrews returned to his field in Iroquois Co. the 26th; and I have tried to hold the post at Lovington, and push the work into new fields. Hearing of an interest south-west of Lovington, went and spoke seventeen times. These meetings were held in a school-house. As we enjoyed moonlight and excellent sleighing, several loads were compelled to drive off, without hearing. Sold some tracts, and obtained ten names for the papers. We understand that seven or more were confirmed in the truth of our position on the Sabbath question. These had heard but few of our lectures in Lovington. They had been reading. Two others have taken their stand with us, as the result of those meetings.

March 4–14, held eleven meetings in a school-house four miles west of Sullivan. Tried to take such a course as to break down prejudice. I could see the effort must shortly close on account of bad weather and almost impassable roads; therefore I endeavored to so leave the work there as to be able to renew it at some future time. Left among the friends a variety of our publications, sent in fourteen names for periodicals, and, receiving a warm invitation to “come back,” bade them “farewell.”

April 3, 4, attended the quarterly meeting at Martinsville. This church was not in trial, but, while some appeared to be growing, others manifested a coldness. Who will keep awake in these hours of drowsiness? Who will watch and fight in these days of peril? Through Christ we may conquer. All promised to strive for the heavenly prize. At this meeting I saw fruit maturing in the truth, as the result of our first effort in Clark Co., in 1871. Eccl. 11:6. I hope for several. “Gather them in.”

From March 19 to April 25, held meetings in Cerro Gordo, Piatt Co. Bad weather, sickness in the place, and my being gone to labor elsewhere, caused this to be a very disconnected series of lectures. Commenced in the Presbyterian church; but being requested to close my meetings there “to save division,” they said! I finished the course in Mr. Wely’s hall. When the meeting-house was closed, I knew not what to do. Thought of the tent; but the air was too cold. Next evening a friend said: “We’ve secured the hall; announce for to-morrow evening.” This was entirely unknown to me. Obtained eight names for periodicals to be sent to Cerro Gordo, besides (by the aid of several brethren in this part of the State) sending in 122 for other post-offices. Brethren and sisters, are you all at work for God? We pray: “Lord, send forth thy light and truth.” Are we consistent?

I start for Lovington on the morrow, leaving some determined in opposition, some investigating our publications; while six kept the last two Sabbaths, and three others have promised to observe it in the future. Now expect to commence tent-work here. G. W. COLCORD.

Cerro Gordo, Ill., April 28, 1875.