Princeville, Ill by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 15, 1877

Princeville, Ill.

By G. W. Colcord

According to appointment, my brother Ivory and I met Bro. B. F. Merritt at this place, Jan. 19, and held services in the Adventist house of worship the same evening. During the past three years the church has been greatly discouraged on account of the shameful conduct of some of the members. God’s precious cause has been “wounded in the house of its friends.” Zech. 13:6. Finally, public worship was almost wholly discontinued. Systematic Benevolence was neither pledged nor paid, and our dear Master has been dishonored.

We held fifteen meetings; and at several of these we engaged in solemn, social exercises. To the praise of the Lord we write that good has been accomplished. We considered each name on the church-roll. Some were “cut off,” others were referred to a committee, while others were gladly retained. When the work of the committee is finished, perhaps the roll, as it will be written in the new book of records, will number thirty-five. To-day we say: “Some are lost!” Will it be so said at Christ’s coming? “Spare thy people, O Lord.”

Systematic Benevolence was taken into consideration. One brother pledged $50, to be paid in 1877. Lord, bless the liberal. One young brother, discouraged in the past, now is determined to “go forward.” Last Sunday eve two arose for prayers.

Have been over in Marshall County this week, visiting Bro. Bliss. Spoke in his meeting Tuesday eve. Hope he will see fruit of his labor. We hope to celebrate the rites of our Saviour’s humiliation and death, with this church, next Sabbath.

It is unnecessary to backslide. It is dangerous to backslide. It is sinful to backslide. Princeville friends, learn by the past, and I pray you, never backslide.

G. W. Colcord.

Feb. 1, 1877.