Wisconsin by David Downer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 4, 1871

Wisconsin.

By David Downer

“SINCE my last report, I have delivered six lectures at Coon Slough, Vernon Co., Wis. I went from there to Victory where I met Eld. Sanborn. We remained there three days, and delivered three lectures. On first day, April 21, we established a church, and attended to the ordinances. We then went to Coon Slough, and delivered two lectures and baptized two. From there we went to Bad Axe, and preached two discourses.

We next went to Liberty Pole. There we established Systematic Benevolence, and made arrangements to take them under the watch-care of the Conference. While there, a Disciple minister of conceded talent and ability came with the determination to destroy our doctrine, and preached a discourse against the law of God. After his discourse, Bro. Sanborn questioned him. He informed us that we could come to his church and advocate our views by giving him the right of replying every alternate evening to our discourses. He being pastor of a church in the county seat of Vernon county, we thought we would like to accept his offer; but circumstances seemed to forbid. He then waxed jubilant over his frightening us from the presence. We are now confident that Providence interfered; and the elder was surprised on being informed we would commence meetings the second evening following. Eld. Sanborn spoke three evenings; Eld. Cotton reviewed. Eld. Sanborn was then compelled to leave. I informed the people that I would continue the debate, but Eld. C. utterly refused to debate farther unless Bro. Sanborn, would stay and discuss with him. His refuting arguments in the debate were very weak. Several other ministers came forward to help him; and their defeat was not because of a lack of diligence or want of talent, but because of a want of Bible proof. After the debate closed, I remained and preached several sermons.

I shall remain here a short time and then go to Conference. I never felt more confidence in God, or his truth. Dear brethren, let us go on till we stand victorious in the fight. Pray for me, that I may honor God and the cause, and finally meet the faithful in the city. DAVID DOWNER. Viroqua, Wis., June 10.