p. 108 | TO THE BRETHREN AND SISTERS OF THE ILL. AND WIS. STATE CONFERENCE

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 30, 1867

TO THE BRETHREN AND SISTERS OF THE ILL. AND WIS. STATE CONFERENCE.

By R. F. Andrews; H. C. Blanchard

Dear Brethren:—You are doubtless aware of the fact that at our meeting held at Clyde, Ill., June 3d, to take into consideration the distribution of labor, it was there decided that we labor among the churches. Now, what we desire is your spiritual advancement. Of course, we are interested in your prosperity in a worldly point of view; we love to see our brethren live so that God can prosper them. But we have not the interest in this direction that we have in your growth in grace and in the knowledge of the truth; hence, when we come into your midst, it is not for the purpose of consuming time, and learning all about your worldly matters, being put off into your best rooms while your wives and daughters are engaged in preparing a sumptuous feast to satisfy a pampered appetite. Then, instead of entertaining us with how your sheep, calves, and colts are growing, tell us what progress you are making in overcoming your faults, and getting ready for Jesus' coming. We would assure you that this will be a great deal more entertaining to us. We would also prefer spending at least a part of the time in prayer and conversation with your families, rather than to be left alone in your best rooms. Feasting is not our object. Then do not consider that you have not had a visit from us if we do not stay and eat a meal at your table. We ask your sympathy, prayers, and hearty co-operation in trying to build up the Lord's cause in your midst.

We would also call your attention to the fact that the time of our Convocation Meeting, to be held at Johnstown Centre, Rock Co., Wis., is drawing near. We hope you are all making calculations to attend that meeting. Make your calculations to come beforehand, and then see that no trivial excuse will thwart you from your purpose. It is important that every brother and sister come that can. We should be glad to see forty tents on the ground. Brethren living near each other can join and get a tent, and in some places the whole church can club together and get a good large one, to be kept for such occasions. We say again, see to it, that the enemy does not cheat you out of attending this gathering of the saints. If you are discouraged and on the back-ground, come, and be encouraged and revived. If your love for the Lord and his truth is waning away, come, and consecrate yourself anew to his service. If you feel strong in the Lord, come, and grow stronger, and help impart spiritual life and vitality to those that need. And if you think you cannot spare the time, you are the very one that needs to come.

Come, then, praying that the Lord may meet with us, and that we may have a refreshing from his presence. R. F. ANDREWS. H. C. BLANCHARD.

Monroe, July 25, 1867.