North-Eastern Illinois.
By R. F. Andrews
We came to this place the 3rd inst. Commenced meetings evening after the Sabbath. We found the people greatly opposed to anything connected with the second advent cause. This opposition has been brought about mainly by time-setting Adventists and reckless speeches made by unconsecrated preachers on the subject of man's nature and future punishment. What a wretched work this class of persons have done and are doing! Blight and mildew, death and destruction, follow in their wake. We had other serious hindrances to contend with, such as prolonged rains, opposition meetings, and determined effort to keep the people away. But notwithstanding all these influences we have reason to be of good courage; for the Lord has been working for us; to his name be all the praise. At our first meeting we had about thirty hearers, and many of those came into our tent in a manner which showed unmistakably that they would rather others would not know where they were going, a great deal after the style of Nicodemus, who “came to Jesus by night.” Now the people come in boldly, and without fear. Our congregations have steadily increased to between three and four hundred. Eleven discourses have already been given. We have endeavored to place ourselves in a right light before the people, and prejudice has given way and the people now manifest a willingness to hear. What the result will be, we cannot tell, but we have strong confidence that a few at least will be brought out to obey the “commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” By the time this report is in print, we will be in the midst of the investigation of the Sabbath question. We feel our own weakness and insufficiency to accomplish anything in this great work without the help of God; therefore, we earnestly ask the prayers of the people of God, that we may have wisdom to do this work acceptably in his sight. Bro. Price of Gilman, Ill., is with me. This is the county-seat of Iroquois County. Court has been in session now six weeks. The influence of our meetings here has extended all over the county. R. F. ANDREWS. Watseka, Ill., July 14, 1875.