Encouragement from Illinois
Bro. E. Everts writes from Green Vale, Ills., May 22d, 1857: "I find the brethren here acknowledging the necessity of putting forth an effort in zeal in order to fully arise from a lukewarm condition, and overcome, that they may sit with our coming King on his throne. O my Lord, help! "I find that many honest ones are anxious to hear. I held two meetings with the brethren last Sabbath, and it was a refreshing time. We went some six miles on First-day, where I preached on the occasion of the death of sister Ophelia Needham, the mother of Bro. Caleb Bates, from 1 Thess. iv, 13, 14, to a candid congregation. She died Jan. 13th, 1857, firm in the truth, and the blessed hope of immortality at the resurrection of the just. "Fourth and Fifth-day evenings I preached in Millville, a new place of presenting the truth, and some are deeply interested. I have an appointment there next First-day, by their request. I am encouraged from omens of good. "Bro. R. Lockwood and I called on the way here and staid over night with Bro. H. Gardner's son, who with much feeling acknowledged the commandments, and I truly hope that he and his wife also will keep God's holy Sabbath. May the Lord bless them abundantly for their kindness."