p. 71 | SOUTHERN ILLINOIS by G. W. Concord

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 2, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 9.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS.

By G. W. Concord

Jan. 21, I went to Oakland; but as Bro. Bliss had been with the brethren and sisters at this point for several days, and as he reported that field in a somewhat prosperous condition, we concluded we were more needed farther south; so he joined me, and we went to Martinsville.

A word with reference to promptness: When a public speaker makes an announcement to meet the people at a certain time and place, he should allow no trivial cause to prevent his fulfilling his promise. I know of one case which is so in point that I am inclined to report it. One of our public speakers has never disappointed his congregation but once; and that was because he was advised not to go; “for,” said his friends, “the roads are fearfully rough, and it is so cold and stormy that nobody will be there.” Forty waited till 8 P. M., then, having learned again the lesson that even some preachers do not always fulfill their promises, they returned home. May we profit.

At one of our meetings at Martinsville we learned that two of the members had used tobacco, some had staid away from the Sabbath meetings, and others had even neglected family worship. I well remember the words of father Bates, spoken, I believe, at the Wright Camp-meeting in 1868: “Every time the sieve shakes hither and thither, some shriveled grains will fall through.” He was speaking of the “Shaking time,” described in Spiritual Gifts. As I meditate upon the subject of “Falling from Grace,” in connection with these “perilous times,” I am sad! We need not hope for all to go through; for the Scriptures declare otherwise; but this we may, and should do—maintain a strict church discipline. The lack of this has been the ruin of many churches. We lack here; and unless we reform, with many of us life will be a failure. Preachers, be strict. Elders, be strict. Deacons, be strict. Clerks and treasurers, be strict. Lay members, be strict. Lord, aid us! May we all be strict, and kind, and good, and true.

All the erring ones present at our business meeting at M. appeared to be penitent, confessed their wrongs, and were forgiven by all the brotherhood. They made solemn vows before the Lord. Now, if the church members will only be faithful, I am confident they will soon see an ingathering from among their children. Bro. Bliss returned to Coles Co.

Conducted eight meetings and one Sabbath-school in, and near, Greenup. The church here is small, and the members are not rich; but I believe they love our Lord. However, several appeared to be wedded to the useless, costly, and harmful habit of coffee-drinking. I spoke plainly, and it was kindly received. I pray that they may do better. With Bro. G. F. Shonk I came last week to Mt. Vernon, Jefferson Co., Ill. Address us here. G. W. CONCORD.

Feb. 15, 1876.