ILLINOIS by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 25, 1877

ILLINOIS

By G. W. Colcord

The small company of believers at Weldon was disbanded, Dec. 12, after voting letters by which to unite with the Serena church. One was censured for tobacco-using ; but time to overcome it was asked and granted. Spoke three times at W. to large audiences.

Sabbath and Sunday, Dec. 16, 17, held meetings in Kankakee City. Here we were reminded of the necessity of our being orderly in church government. No Seventh-day Adventist should remove from one Conference to another without a letter, and then expect immediately to be received into full confidence. I do hereby advise all our churches and members to require letters from strangers coming into our Conference, pretending to be S. D. Adventists. “Let all things be done . . . in order.”

Came to St. Anne, Dec. 18, and held two good meetings with our dear French friends. I believe they love the truth; but they need labor in their own language. During the next eight days, I held thirteen meetings at four places in Iroquois County. One was censured for using tobacco. Oh! when shall we be free? If we yield the battle on this point, we shall become a fallen people, on the subject of temperance, at least, and our God will frown upon us. No, sir! my tobacco-using brother, may you realize your true condition ere it be too late. We gave this brother time to overcome his habit; but we are compelled to say to all, Put the vile thing away, or God’s people will cut off your names.

Some of our young friends in this part of the State appear to grow in the truth; and for it they gladly sacrifice. I pray God’s blessing to rest upon Kankakee and Iroquois Counties.

During the last four days of the year, I attended seven meetings near Gridley. Three united with the church. We considered the complete list of names, and gave the church roll a thorough pruning. This is a work that should have been done long since, and not only here, but in several churches in Illinois. Lord, help us to be both kind and thorough.

First week in the new year, I enjoyed some good meetings near Coleta. Our T. and M. Society meeting in Dist. No. 11 was very good. There are causes for rejoicing in Illinois. I have come to-day from Aledo, where, I trust, profitable meetings have been conducted by Eld. Andrews and others. I was glad to meet friends of by-gone days.

Our State tract meeting was, in some features, one of the best ever held in our Conference. About fifty church names were considered, and a few were dropped. The ordinance exercises were very cheering. Although the church meeting continued in session six hours and three-quarters, harmony prevailed to a degree causing gratitude. Aledo, will you retain your freedom? G. W. COLCORD.