TENT MEETING IN COLCHESTER ILLS.
By A. S. HUTCHINS
Soon after brother Sperry reached this place, we made arrangements to have both of the Tents now in the State, pitched. It was our strong conviction that new fields should be entered. White Rock, rested upon our minds as a place favorable for labor in one direction, and Colchester, McDonough Co., as the other, in another direction. Brn. Loughborough, Sperry, and Phillips went to the former place, Brn. Ingraham, Mitchell and myself to the latter; about one hundred and twenty-five miles from here. The first two nights after leaving Round Grove, we camped out in our small Tent. Here the Lord met us while bowed together in prayer upon the high open prairie, and blessed us much. Praise his holy name. Our meetings commenced at Colchester, Sept. 18th, and closed the 27th. Twelve discourses were preached in the Tent, besides other meetings which were held there. At first the weather was very unfavorable, especially for evening meetings; but notwithstanding this, a goodly number were out to hear at most of the meetings. Sickness kept a number from the meetings from their commencement to their close. Others for some reason attended but a few times. Among the friends thus deprived of hearing our position, were several deeply interested. They acknowledged light on different points of Bible truth as we conversed with them. They spoke freely of the wickedness of the wicked, and acknowledged they saw but little hope for reform there, while judging of the future from the past. The parents of sister Mitchell, with other friends live here. Some of them embraced the Advent faith some years since, and stood ready to walk in the light as it shines from the pages of inspiration. When the subject of the Sabbath was presented, they said, It is truth; and we shall keep God's holy Sabbath. This they did with us before we left. Others we expect will decide fully to obey God, and go with us to Mt. Zion. We were not only kindly and freely entertained here through our meetings, but means were handed us further to help on the cause. May the Lord bless and reward these lovers of Bible truth, and Bible religion. Brother Ingraham left for his home (in Pa.) last week. Round Grove, Ills., Oct. 8th, 1857.