p. 194 | ILLINOIS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 19, 1878

ILLINOIS

Serena.

We have just closed a series of meetings in Serena. Found two who were keeping the Sabbath, and another who will probably unite with us soon. Besides these, six were forward for prayers, and made an encouraging beginning. These, also, will probably soon be baptized and unite with the church. This congregation is in a prosperous condition, and their Sabbath-school is flourishing.

G. W. Colcord.

J. F. Ballenger.

PEORIA.—In October, in connection with Bro. Merritt and Bliss, I labored for a few days in Peoria and Knox counties. While we were encouraged by the testimonies of many, we were made sad to learn that two of our brethren used tobacco. We labored with them, and they made fair promises. It would be an unfortunate day to us should we become slack in our discipline.

RUTLAND.—At Rutland, Nov. 1-4, I held seven meetings; then wrote and visited two days. What a difference we notice in the dispositions of persons. At some places we find brethren and sisters so liberal that should we not hinder them they would gladly give more than they ought. Others are too close to be saved, I fear, unless they experience complete conversion. Beware, friends; the day of God is yet before us. At Rutland the members pledged well for the support of the enterprise introduced. May they never weary in well-doing.

COLETA—Coleta, my home-church, is now very weak and badly scattered. Held three meetings, and traveled about seventy-five miles to see our members. We find them trying to live; and I hope they may prove that they are not living as the old hymn has it,—“at this poor dying rate.” I never liked that expression. Brethren and sisters, by God’s grace let us live a life that is “all alive.”

ROCKFORD.—At Rockford, Nov. 23, I met with the friends, and was glad to see some who had started in this work since my last visit here. Bro. Cleaves, who has hitherto worked in the watch factory, hopes soon to be ready to go out to improve his gift.

BELVIDERE.—Nov. 24 I was at Belvidere. Held three meetings. The Lord has blessed Eld. Andrews’ labors here, and we hope fruit will be seen in the harvest. Let all be true disciples. Be humble and zealous; the effort is brief. G. W. Colcord.

Du Quoin, Dec. 11.

We were disappointed that Bro. Colcord was not at Du Quoin last Sabbath, but there was a good company present, and the Lord blessed in the meetings. Some of these brethren seldom or never attended a religious meeting before the truth was preached here; now they attend with their families every Sabbath, and most of them take part in the social meetings. May the Lord bless the working Christian.

There were present at our Sabbath-school fifty-three pupils divided into four classes. When we remember that some of these boys and girls never went to a meeting or even looked into the Bible before our brethren came here, and now see them so eager to answer questions in the Sabbath-school, and learning to sing and pray, we feel to thank the Lord for his precious truth, and the work he has wrought in Du Quoin. “Paul may plant, and Apollos water; but it is God that giveth the increase.”

D. Morrison.