ILLINOIS by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 30, 1876

ILLINOIS

By G. W. Colcord

Oct. 20-22, I spoke five times in the Ward school-house, in Wayne Co. One united with the Keenville church, and another promised to unite with the same congregation the succeeding Sabbath.

Oct. 23, 24, I did Tract Society work at Flora and on the train.

Oct. 25, 26, I held two meetings at Greenup, Cumberland Co. The brethren and sisters here voted to perfect church organization.

Oct. 27-30, I attended nine meetings in Clark Co. The Martinsville church has sustained a loss of spirituality on account of a lack of forbearance and love among brethren. Brethren and sisters, reread Col. 3:12-14—words of the Spirit! We must walk by the same, or be finally lost. The church took a decided stand for the right on several points, putting several members under church censure for mistakes. Two had used tobacco so long, and (with the lips, at least) had made so many confessions, that it appeared somewhat disgusting to the brotherhood. The church said, “Overcome—in Jesus’ name, overcome—or we shall be compelled to cut off your names.” Another was censured for slackness in money-matters. All have an open path before them, and may improve if they will. Brethren and sisters were present from four counties. Bro. Wm. Doyal was elected and ordained elder of the church at Greenup. The meeting closed with good cheer.

Nov. 1, 2, I held two services at Campbell. We received one new friend to the truth—the result of reading. Last year she read the SIGNS; this year she is to read the REVIEW. Praise God! Onward, ever onward!

Nov. 3-9, I held nine meetings in Coles Co. Two, baptized at the camp-meeting at Kankakee, were received into the Oakland church; another whom I immersed at C. was also received. Here we found two brethren in trouble. Yes, trouble that cast a gloom over all. We may live in trouble, die in trouble, and sink, at last, with troublesome men and devils. How much wiser to live for God!

Nov. 10-12, I held seven meetings at Lovington. Here the tongue and pen had done harm. One brother from an adjoining county would most likely have united with us, had not trouble arisen. “How long, O Lord, how long?” We live in “the last days;” and their perils are upon us. From now to the end may we all realize it.

Hopeful features to be added to this report, are: First, the erring ones generally satisfactorily confessed and earnestly resolved for the future. Secondly, churches have tried to do their part well. Thirdly the word is, Let us have a pure church, be it ever so small. Fourthly, since our Conference, the brethren and sisters are awaking to duty on the subject of tithing. Fifthly, although I have been made sad several times of late, still I am hopeful in God. In the future may I ever work by the double rule of Isa. 58:1; 2 Tim. 2:24, 25.

G. W. COLCORD.

Coleta, Ill., Nov. 17, 1876.