Illinois Camp-Meeting by R. F. Andrews

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1872

Illinois Camp-Meeting.

By R. F. Andrews

This meeting was held May 30—June 4, on a beautiful spot in Sugar Grove, on the premises of Mr. Reed. Owing to the scattered condition of the friends of the cause in this State, our meeting was not as largely attended as we desired. There were nine tents on the ground beside the large one and the provision stand. We were made glad by the arrival of Bro. and sister White and Bro. Littlejohn in the afternoon of the first day of our meeting. Their preaching was solemn and searching, and the Lord set it home to the hearts of the hearers by the influence of his Holy Spirit. Much prejudice has been removed, and the people of God, greatly cheered and strengthened. On Sabbath afternoon we had a most precious season. Over twenty of the youth and children came forward for prayers; and as their cases were being presented before the Lord, his special blessing rested upon us all.

A heavy rain on Sabbath and first-day morning prevented the people from without from attending. Immediately after the rain had ceased on first-day, and while it still looked as though we might have more, over one thousand people congregated on the ground and gave excellent attention to two discourses, one each from Bro. and sister White with half an hour’s intermission between them; and in the evening Bro. Littlejohn spoke in the large tent to an attentive congregation. The anxiety to hear these servants of God was great. May the Lord by his Holy Spirit water the seeds of truth that have been sown, and cause them to take root in the hearts of those who heard, and bring forth fruit unto eternal life.

On Monday morning the Conference voted to have Bro. G. W. Colcord ordained to the work of the ministry. At half past ten, Bro. White delivered a discourse on the occasion; and never did the reward of the true minister, and his faithful wife, appear so desirable. After the discourse, Bro. C. was duly set apart to the gospel ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands. The Lord let his blessing graciously rest upon us all. We all felt that the Lord was drawing near, and that it was good to be there. A Missionary and Tract Society was organized for the Conference.

Union and harmony prevailed throughout all our business sessions; and one thing that gratified us all very much, was, to see so evidently the hand of God, in sustaining and giving physical strength, to his weary and worn servants. May the Lord let his blessing still attend them, and make their labor ever effectual to the building up of his cause.

It is no more than justice to the church at Aledo, to acknowledge the assistance they rendered in preparing the grounds, and the hospitality they manifested during the meeting. Their course on this occasion has demonstrated that they have a lively interest in this cause, and united them more closely to our hearts. May the Lord abundantly bless, and ever keep them in the love of his precious truth, and may they abound more and more, in every good work. We took down our tent Tuesday afternoon and pitched it in Aledo. Have had three meetings already. Brethren, pray for us and for the prosperity of the cause of truth.

R. F. ANDREWS.

Aledo, Ill., June 9, 1872.