Communication from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
BRO. SMITH:—After closing my labors at El Dorado, Fond du Lac Co., Wis., March 4th, I took a stage route to Baraboo. After a cold and uncomfortable ride of 80 miles we were landed in Portage City. While waiting here over night for the regular line of stages to proceed on to B., a way was opened to explain the Third Angel's Message. Two families, formerly residents in the State of New York, became much interested, and took books to investigate, and pressed me to call again if I came that way. One of the friends (Mr. Foster) inquired of a person standing by, if he did not wish to furnish himself with an Advent Hymn Book, and other publications on that subject. He replied that he should like to have some for his children, but he did not believe in religion himself. He took about ten shillings' worth. I have since thought if believing parents would do as this man, how fast the present truth would circulate. March 8th and 9th, held meetings at Bro. C. W. Stanley's, in Delona, ten miles north from Baraboo. This meeting closed with a sweet refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The brethren present manifested a strong desire for a deeper work of consecration in this last work for the world. March 11th, came to Westport, about ten miles north of Madison. Here we held meetings in the school-house six successive evenings, and also on the Sabbath. Brn. Stewart and Phelps were with us the most of the time, and preached from Dan. vii, and Rev. xiv. We hope and trust that the brethren in Westport will clearly see that mercy ceases with the Third Angel's Message, and no longer be troubled about the Age to Come theory. A considerable number that were not interested in the Sabbath question were in attendance during our series of meetings, and gave good attention to the word. March 17th, Bro. Stewart took me on, in his carriage, as far as Madison. This is the Capital of the State of Wisconsin. We held two meetings here on the evenings of the 17th and 18th, the last one by invitation at the house of two families recently from Northampton, Mass., believers in the second appearing of the Lord. They with some others in the city are seeking to understand the present truth. We trust they will not seek in vain. From Madison we came to Fulton and Albion. From thence to Koskonong, Jefferson Co. We met with the church here on the Sabbath, and continued our labors with them in their vicinity, from the 20th to the 25th, March. From thence to Janesville and Beloit, which last mentioned place we left the 28th, and came here to labor for the present. On the 30th inst. we commenced a course of lectures here to continue several days. In taking our leave of Wisconsin for the present, we wish to acknowledge our indebtedness to the Lord for opening the way before us, and leading us in the way of warm-hearted brethren and sisters who have so kindly welcomed us to their dwellings, to share in their hospitalities, during our Winter tour, to spread before them the last message of mercy, and also added to our means in aiding us on our way, and when public conveyance failed, have taken their own to carry us forward. So far as we have been in the way of duty, these dear brethren and sisters, if they continue faithful, will in no wise lose their reward. Matt. xxv, 35, 37, 40. While with much pleasure we speak of these kind acts of our dear brethren, we were sorry to learn that the theory of an Age to Come is cherished in their midst. Our prayer is, Lord continue to let the light shine through searching, writing and teaching on the present truth, until all false theories are dispelled from among the remnant. My P. O. address for the present is Green Vale, Jo Daviess Co., Ill. JOSEPH BATES.