ILLINOIS by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 1, 1877

ILLINOIS

By G. W. Colcord

In the autumn of 1870, Bro. Merritt and Bliss delivered a series of discourses on “present truth” at Eugene. Though young and inexperienced, they persevered in their efforts; they held on till the work there was done; and the encouraging result is seen to-day: The five who embraced the Sabbath then, will observe it to-morrow.

Soon after this, meetings were held at Truro. Here, if I am correctly informed, twenty expressed their belief in favor of all God’s commands. At this stage of the work the speaker closed the effort, and went to Battle Creek to attend the General Conference. I learn that only two of the score embraced the truth!

As the result of my first course of lectures at Fosterburg, I was cheered by hearing twelve say they would do their “whole duty.” Eccl. 12: 13, 14. Nevertheless, as I unwisely left them too soon, only one-half of the number “endured.”

While Bro. Bliss and I were laboring under the tent at Lovington, we were, at one stage of the effort, on the very verge of “striking our tent”; but, by perseverance and God’s favor, we succeeded. In considering the foregoing, I re-learn an important lesson. Our ministers should remember the word of the Lord found in 1 Cor. 3: 11-15; Dan. 12: 3, margin; Heb. 13: 17.

“Hold on, hold on, my brother, hold on, Hold on till the work is done.”

Last Sabbath I enjoyed the meetings at Princeville. We were favored with a fine day. Friends from Rochester and Eugene met us at the house of God. I spoke three times. The ordinance meeting was solemn and encouraging. Two spoke, for the first time, in the meeting, giving their hearts to the Lord. Three arose for prayers. We all rejoiced. G. W. COLCORD.