REPORT FROM BRO. BLANCHARD.
By H. C. Blanchard
My last report closed with Dec. 8, 1868. I continued my labors in Woodburn until Jan. 20, 1869. Have held some sixty-two meetings. Have made about the same number of family visits. Fifteen or twenty have commenced to keep the Sabbath. I have partially organized a church, Bible Class, and Sabbath School. There was a very strong underhanded opposition by the Methodist and Congregationalist denominations. They united in their meetings, talked hard about me, because I did not attend their meetings, said much about charity, universal brotherhood, that all Christians should unite together, &c., &c. I went one evening to give them a chance to manifest some of their union spirit. The minister in charge invited persons all around me to take part in the meeting, but said nothing to me, nor to Bro. P. nor Bro. S., a Methodist who is very nearly persuaded to embrace the present truth, who occupied the same seat with me. Bro. S. has treated me with much kindness and hospitality, which will account for their slighting him in their so-called union meeting. But this is no new thing. Jason of old received Paul and Silas into his house which brought down the frowns of the Pharisees upon him. See Acts xvii, 5-8. Eld. C., Methodist, preached a discourse against the Sabbath and in favor of the first-day in one of their meetings, which I reviewed the next evening. It resulted in favor of the truth. A Disciple preacher delivered a discourse against the Sabbath which I also reviewed. I think this will result in much good. He treated me with Christian kindness, made some concessions, and freely offered the Sabbath-keepers the use of their meeting-house. I trust he may yet acknowledge the whole truth. There is quite a number of the members of the Disciple church that have embraced the Sabbath. Wednesday morning, the 20th, I started for home, where I arrived safely on Thursday, finding all well. I am very much worn with incessant labor, and need rest. Shall rest about one week, then commence a protracted meeting in Princeville, and continue as long as the interest will warrant. Thanks to the friends in Woodburn for their kindness and hospitality toward me. My stay at Bro. Penniman's has been very pleasant. They have done all in their power to make me comfortable. I am happy to say that their course before their neighbors has been very commendable. They have lived alone here some two years, and have well recommended the truth by their godly example. I still desire the prayers of God's people. H. C. BLANCHARD. Princeville, Jan. 29, 1869.