South-eastern Illinois by B. F. Merritt; G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 13, 1872

South-eastern Illinois.

By B. F. Merritt; G. W. Colcord

Since our last report, May 15, have held meetings near York and Martinsville, Clark Co., and in Robinson, Crawford Co. In the tent, near York, we spoke to the people about thirty-five times. At first we had many hearers; but very wet weather, small pox in the vicinity, and the rush of farm labor preparatory to wheat harvest, caused our congregations to so dwindle that we thought it proper to move our tent.

We sold and gave away quite a number of our publications, received one name for the REVIEW, and urged our hearers to read, post up, and see “whether these things are so.”

Many are convicted of the truthfulness of our views; and to the end that honest souls may be converted to a practical knowledge of “present truth,” we labor on. Since moving the tent, have been back to that neighborhood and spoken once to an attentive audience congregated in a grove. Expect to be with them again August 1-4.

Since Conference, we have met with our brethren in Clark Center three Sabbaths, and have spoken to them seven times.

Sabbath, June 15, Bro. Merritt spoke on Baptism. After the discourse we repaired to the water, where twelve souls were buried in the emblematic grave. This band now numbers twenty-eight.

July 5 and 6, held four meetings with the church—two sermons, an ordinance meeting, and business transactions. It was good to see all take hold of the work of the Lord, as pointed out in John 13 and 1 Cor. 11. Systematic Benevolence was raised from $40.12, to $73.44, per year. They have an interesting Sabbath-school.

June 20, commenced meetings under the tent in Robinson, county seat of Crawford Co. Have spoken to the people of R. and adjoining neighborhoods forty-seven times. Last Sabbath, six of our friends from Clark County were with us, to add to the interest of our first social meeting. Several have declared themselves in favor of the Lord’s sanctified day. Some are keeping it, and

others are investigating. At present we cannot give numbers. Since Conference we have obtained ten names for our periodicals, and sold $17.03 worth of books, besides a number given away.

Although it may require a prolonged effort, yet, under the blessing of God, we hope to see the truth established in Crawford County upon a firm basis.

To this end we ask the prayers of the Lord’s saints. B. F. MERRITT, G. W. COLCORD.