ILLINOIS by G. W. Colcord; C. H. Bliss

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 14, 1878

ILLINOIS

By G. W. Colcord; C. H. Bliss

Rutland, Feb. 4.

We met here on Friday, Jan. 25, and commenced our labors the same evening. To date we have spoken fourteen times, besides attending seven prayer-meetings and one business session. Also, we listened twice yesterday to Eld. C. W. Smith, first-day Adventist.

Here is where Eld. T. M. Steward fought a hard battle in the summer of 1875; and, thank the Lord! we may say, Here is a victory gained. Those who once were bitter, are, with some exceptions, learning our views more fully, and are now more friendly. We hold our meetings—as did Bro. Steward—in the first-day Adventist meeting-house, and have a fair hearing. Yesterday morning Eld. Smith publicly opposed us. He is the same man that so unwisely withstood Bro. Steward, crying, “Visions! visions!” Even at the beginning, he thus greatly crippled his influence. Yesterday afternoon, Bro. Bliss reviewed the forenoon discourse (as we saw last evening), with good effect. Last night Eld. Smith was very mild, and avoided all controversy. Why cannot the opposers see their folly ere they decapitate themselves? Answer: 2 Thess. 2:9-12.

Yesterday we organized a church of nine members. Wednesday evening shall celebrate the ordinances. Three or four have embraced the Sabbath since we came here, and we hope for several others. The S. B. pledge amounts to about $100, and this will likely soon be increased.

G. W. COLCORD.

C. H. BLISS.