Church Visits in Illinois and Minnesota
According to appointment, met with the church at Rockton, Ill., April 22 and 23. The brethren seemed strengthened and encouraged. We were cheered with the presence of brethren from Avon and Clinton, Wis. Bro. John Logan was unanimously chosen to fill the office of deacon, and was duly set apart to that important work. God After leaving St. Cloud, I had a safe and pleasant journey by R. R. to St. Paul, and then by steamer on the Mississippi, down to Maiden Rock, Wis. Here I filled my appointment the second Sabbath and Sunday in May, as given in the Review. I gave five discourses, had one social meeting and two business meetings. I found some of them backslidden, though not so far as to give up the truth. Others were in deep trial. We were not able to settle all the difficulties, and therefore had to leave them in an unorganized condition. Selfishness, with an unconsecrated tongue, is a great sin, and makes terrible work. What deep sorrow and untold anguish will fill the hearts of those who, when they come down to the great day of God, shall find that others have stumbled into eternal ruin over their wickedness and selfish acts. May all such awake to a sense of their terrible condition before it is too late for wrongs to be righted. Our meetings resulted in some good, but there is a great deal more to be done here before all can enjoy the blessing of God. On Monday, the 15th, I left this place and went down the river to Winona. The next day I took the cars to Winona Junction, where, about midnight, I met my wife, who was on her way to Minnesota for the benefit of her health. We journeyed next day to Rochester, where we found Bro. Gibson waiting with his team to take us to his home. On Friday, the 19th, we rode, in company with Bro. Gibson, twenty-five miles, to Concord. Brethren and sisters came from the Deerfield church, and also from Greenwood Prairie. The Pine Island quarterly meeting was changed to this place. On the Sabbath, we enjoyed two good, devotional meetings. We had evidence that the Lord approved of our meeting. On Sunday, we had one public meeting and two business meetings. The people of the place turned out well, and seemed to have an ear to hear the truth. Good impressions were made on the minds of some. Our business meetings were conducted in an orderly manner. The Pine Island church granted letters to a few of their members who lived in the vicinity of Concord. This was done that a church might be formed at C., which was the main object of the meeting. We succeeded in organizing a church of seventeen members. Bro. L. H. Ells was chosen and ordained their elder. They unanimously and heartily adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence. It is to be hoped that this little band of Sabbath-keepers will walk in all the light of present truth, that they may exert a good influence in the community where they live. May the Lord add his blessing, and may this little company prove faithful to the end. grant that he may so fill his office that he may “purchase to” himself “a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.” As we celebrated the death of our dear Redeemer, we felt that Jesus was indeed precious. The 24th, rode to Crane’s Grove with Bro. Newton. Visited the families of Bro. Newton and Bro. B. Berry the 25th, and in the evening spoke at Bro. N.’s to their friends and neighbors, from the words of the Saviour, Matt. 16:26, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” May the Lord help us all to faithfully consider these important questions of Jesus. The 26th, went to Lena. Bro. Brown met me and took me to his hospitable home. The 27th and 28th, in company with Bro. B., visited brethren at Nora and Greenvale. Our meeting was held at Winslow. There was quite a good attendance considering the short notice and scattered condition of the brethren. A goodly number were present also from Monroe, Wis., which added greatly to the interest of the meeting. Two received baptism. I trust that they may walk in newness of life. The brethren were much cheered and encouraged. May 1, returned home, and visited some among the brethren. Sabbath, May 6, held meeting with the few that are left at Clyde. Also held business meeting evening after the Sabbath. I pray that the Lord may help the few that are left at Clyde to awake and bestir themselves, and see that no man take their crown. Left home for Aledo, Ill., the 7th. Visited the family of Bro. W. Matthews on our way. Though nearly alone, they still love the truth and are striving to obey it. May the Lord help them to be faithful till Jesus comes. Arrived at Aledo on the 9th. Found the brethren all loving the truth, and striving to overcome. The Lord has done a great work for this people. Praise his holy name. Held eight meetings with them, and baptized ten, making twenty baptized in all. Thirty-five signed the covenant. Organized Systematic Benevolence, amounting to $365.04 yearly. These dear brethren are determined not to be idlers in their Master’s cause. May we all heed the exhortation of Paul: “Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” May the Lord help us so to walk.