Illinois Church Meetings and Baptisms Report
By R. F. Andrews
Since closing up labor with the tent, I have held interesting meetings at Aledo, Erie, Winslow, Princeville, Gridley, Pontiac, Vermillionville, and Northville. Had precious seasons at all the above places. At Aledo, eight were baptized and the brethren were greatly encouraged. There is no reason why this may not be a strong church and have great influence for good, if they will only walk humbly, and faithfully before the Lord. At Erie, there are but few Sabbath-keepers, yet they are strong in the truth, and their influence is beginning to be felt. God grant that they may always gather with Christ and not scatter abroad. The enemy was trying to distract the friends of the truth at Winslow and vicinity; but the Lord graciously met with us, and set the truth home to the hearts of all, by the gentle influence of his Spirit. Union was restored, and his blessing resting richly upon his people. We were cheered by the presence of brethren and sisters at this meeting, from Monroe, Wis., Greenvale and Nora, Ill. At our closing meeting we celebrated the death of our divine Lord. It was good to be there. There has been a great many things to discourage the brethren at Princeville, and to weaken their hands. The cause has been reproached by its professed friends. The enemies of the truth have rejoiced, and the real lovers of the cause of God have been led to mourn as they have seen Jesus wounded in the house of his friends. May God bless these faithful ones. “Offences must needs come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” Jesus says, “It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” Let us be careful how we reproach Christ, and put the people of God to shame. The brethren all seemed encouraged, to take hold anew to gain the prize, even everlasting life. At Gridley, the brethren are greatly scattered. They need a good deal of energy to get together. The Lord help them, that they “forsake not the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some is,” but that they may meet. and exhort “one another: and so much the more as they see the day approaching.” The few at Pontiac are strong in the truth, and of good courage. The Lord has added three to their number of late. But at this place Christ and his cause has been reproached. I would to God that unconsecrated individuals could see the terrible wickedness of their course, and either come out on the Lord’s side fully, or else sail under their own banner. Bro. Marsh was ordained elder. We had a sweet and refreshing time commemorating the Lord’s humility and death. May these dear brethren and sisters be faithful till the Master comes. Vermillionville is some four miles west of where our tent was last pitched. First-day Adventists in past time have had quite an influence here, but their cause at present stands very low. How hard it is to labor in a locality where the advent doctrine has been reproached. There are now some fifteen Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity. Oh! that they may be a light in this dark corner of the earth. Had most an excellent meeting at Northville. This church is growing strong, gaining in knowledge, and becoming rooted and grounded in the truth. Lord grant that they may ever walk in meekness and love, keeping “the unity of the Spirit in the bonds of peace,” giving all diligence lest any “root of bitterness” springing up trouble them and thereby many be defiled. Jesus says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” While carrying out the instructions of our Saviour in John 13, and commemorating his death, we felt his rich blessing rest upon us, and we felt that his precious words were true: “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” The brethren here are greatly in need of a convenient place to hold meetings. I sincerely hope that they will put forth a determined and united effort to erect a meeting-house in the spring. May the Lord give to us all the spirit of sacrifice, and devotion to his cause. “Soon the night will come when no man can work.” R. F. ANDREWS.