Oakland, Coles Co., Ill.
By C. H. Bliss
Took down the tent in this place July 27, having held in all forty-five meetings in thirty-two days. I spoke thirty-seven times, the remainder being prayer and social meetings. As a result of these meetings, some sinners were converted and the backsliders reclaimed, and we leave in all about thirty-five new converts keeping the Sabbath. We have organized a Sabbath-school numbering forty or fifty scholars, and have also established a Sabbath meeting and two weekly prayer meetings. Bro. Kurtz was appointed leader and Sabbath-school superintendent. Among the converts to the truth, there are persons from five or six different denominations. It is said by outsiders that we have taken the cream of the Methodist church. It is quite evident that those who have embraced the Sabbath from among the Methodists are workers. The enemy left no means untried to draw the attention of the people from hearing the truth. One evening while we spoke on the subject of the Judgment, a festival was held in the M. E. church, only about three rods from the tent. While they were eating, and drinking, and making merry, and the brass band, engaged for the special occasion, was keeping up its music, many of the older members of the church were sitting in the tent weeping. Truly, thought I, “Babylon is fallen.” When all other means for suppressing the truth had failed, Eld. Davies, of Paris, Ill., was sent for. He used but little Scripture in his discourse, only quoting five texts. The Lord gave freedom in reviewing, and the event proved as it previously has done, that every effort against this cause only adds strength to it. The Lord has been at work here, and to him be all the praise. Bro. Shank rendered much assistance during these meetings as tent master, and also in opening and closing services. Bro. Bitner also aided much, financially, by meeting all the expenses of the meeting here. The friends of this place earnestly request that a camp-meeting may be held at this point, this fall or as early as is convenient. C. H. BLISS.