p. 174 | ILLINOIS by G. W. Colcord

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 1, 1876

FromThe Review and Herald, Review and Herald, Vol. 47, No. 22.

ILLINOIS

By G. W. Colcord

Feb. 8 to April 3, labored in Southern Illinois. In Wayne County, visited several families. Bro. G. F. Shonk and myself preached eleven times; held three social meetings, immersed three; and one sister and her daughter commenced to observe the Sabbath. The class-leader of the M. E. church in Jeffersonville had decided to keep the fourth command; but his minister, not “doing” nor “teaching” the same (Matt. 5:19) advised him to wait. Read Acts 24:25. We still hope for him.

Scattered brethren and sisters, read this: Four years since Bro. and Sr. Herald came from Ohio to Jefferson County, Illinois. They said but little, but tried to live the present truth before their neighbors. The following is the result: An interest was created in the minds of the inhabitants with reference to the Sabbath day. The question came before the Sunday-school, and several decided to observe the Lord’s rest-day. Opposition was raised, but it proved fruitless. Eld. J. B. Logan, formerly of the M. E. church, but who had lately taken his stand in defense of the Sabbath, engaged in a discussion with a Disciple minister, and our friends were confirmed.

By invitation, Bro. Shonk and myself went to Bro. Herald’s vicinity to render some aid. Together, we spoke about sixty-five times in two school-districts. Held several Sabbath, social and business meetings, baptized twelve, and organized a church of fifteen members. Bro. Wm. Herald was chosen leader, and Bro. Jas. H. Richards, church clerk. For the present their s. B. pledge is $78.00 per year. We also organized a Sabbath-school, and sold about twenty dollars’ worth of books. The majority of our brethren and sisters joined the Tract Society. Although this little church at Webber Grove is financially poor, yet, if they will maintain their first zeal, I shall hope for their success.

April 6, came to Woodburn and stopped over one Sabbath. Held several meetings, and at one of these we celebrated our dear Saviour’s death. Received in pledges and cash $20.00 on our State T. & M. Society debt. Systematic Benevolence was renewed. They paid to the treasury, by my hand, $27.85. Oh! that all the friends of the cause in Illinois would perform their whole duty respecting giving. Paul says, “Let all things be done . . . in order.” Instead of “order,” I have found the following: Some pay their s. B. into the New England Conference treasury; one brother holds his membership in N. Y., lives in Illinois, and pays his “Systematic” at Battle Creek. Some live in Illinois, but hold their membership in Wisconsin and pay their s. B. into that treasury. But what is worst of all, we find cases where brethren and sisters have left our Conference with a large s. B. pledge unpaid! Comparatively, it is a small matter where we pay our financial vows; but to rob God in tithes and offerings is fearful!

Emigrating brethren and sisters should take letters of commendation; and churches receiving them ought to require of them such letters or request them to stand outside till they develop a suitable character to be received. None should receive letters who leave their residence while in debt on their s. B. fund. Where we reside is the place to hold our church membership (whenever practicable), and there we should sacrifice and labor for the furtherance of the good cause.

G. W. Colcord.