Close of Labors in Illinois.
By D. T. Bourdeau
My need of rest, the increasing demands that more of our works be translated into French, and the duties I owe to a dying father, make it necessary that I should leave Illinois to spend the winter East. I have reason for gratitude to the Lord for his mercies and care and for the timely aid from Eld. R. F. Andrews and Bro. Rudd. Our success at Kankakee is largely attributable to the labors of Bro. Andrews. Though we have not seen great ingatherings at any one point, yet we have for the past eight months witnessed a steady and gradual rise of the work, so that the following results have been reached:— Three churches have been raised up, numbering in all about sixty believers, twenty-five of whom are French. Systematic Benevolence has been organized to the amount of $380 00. The work is progressing at Kankakee, where Bro. Stewart is now laboring to acceptance; and we have organized systematic labor among the French, appointing those who have a measure of experience to hold prayer and social meetings, and distribute tracts at points where an interest has been awakened. The friends at Kankakee are desirous that Eld. Andrews should locate among them for awhile to aid in extending the limits of the work in this section. Whether Bro. A. locates in K. or not, it seems to me that it is a good time to raise at least one more company in this section, to establish quarterly meetings, form a new district in the Conference, and thus secure the permanency of the work. This would also strengthen the French. I do not see why Illinois is not as good a field to labor in as the country affords. The Lord willing, I shall return to Illinois and Wisconsin. My P. O. address for the present is Burke, Caledonia Co., Vermont. St. Anne, Ill., Oct. 14, 1874. P. S. Since writing the above, I have stepped into one of Bro. Stewart’s meetings at Kankakee, to bid the friends farewell. At the close of my remarks, I called for all who were determined to avail themselves of all the means of grace, as secret prayer, family prayer, taking part in social meetings, attending to the Bible-class and Sabbath-school, etc., and to advance in practical piety and experimental religion, to arise on their feet, and all arose but two or three. This was indeed encouraging to me. A still greater work will be accomplished in Kankakee and vicinity, if these friends are faithful in letting their light shine. D. T. BOURDEAU. Battle Creek, Mich., Oct. 16, 1874.