REPORT FROM BRO. BLANCHARD.
By H. C. Blanchard
I ARRIVED at home from the General Conference, May 22, and remained until the 29th. During this time I spoke once to the church at Princeville, on the subject of “Vows,” from Ps. cxvi, 18. I think some good will be the result. Dear brethren, let us “pay our vows now in the presence of all his people.” The 29th and 30th, went to Clyde, Ills., to attend the Ills. and Wis. State Conference. The 31st to June 3d, engaged in Conference matters pertaining to the cause of present truth. The 4th and 5th, traveling home. This meeting will long be remembered by me, having there received ordination to preach the “everlasting Gospel.” Oh, may I ever be faithful to the charge there committed to “preach the word.” Dear Saviour, let me have thy grace, so that I may be a humble minister of thy cause. Remained at home until the 27th; during this time I had the measles, but had them very light. This is to be attributed to the Health Reform. What a blessing it will be to us if we will only live it out. June 27th, started by railroad to attend the Quarterly Meeting at Johnstown Center; here I met with Bro. Sanborn and Matteson. We all tried to bear our humble part in the preaching of the word to the believers. The most of this church we think are trying to get the victory over their sins, and to keep pace with the message. Though we fear some are looking back and lusting after the fleshpots of Egypt. To such we say, “Remember Lot’s wife.” See also the following Scriptures: Luke ix, 62, Heb. vi, 4-6, x, 26, 39; 2 Pet. ii, 22. July 1, started for Mackford, to attend their Quarterly Meeting the 6th and 7th. Stopped on my way two days with the church at Oakland, visited some with them and held one meeting. May the Lord bless his people here, is my prayer. Stopped one day at Beaver Dam, and visited sister Shepherd; also visited some brethren at Trempealeau Center. Think there is some work here for Bro. Steward to finish. The friends there want him to come back and preach more, so they can either be for us or against us. Held five meetings with the church at Mackford, and baptized three, two of whom joined the Marquette church. From the 8th to the 12th, I spent visiting from house to house and praying with the friends, and exhorting them to continue in the faith. 13th and 14th, with the church at Marquette; held four meetings with them. The meetings in these two places will be green spots in the history of my pilgrimage here. We enjoyed freedom in preaching. These churches are trying to humble themselves and go forward with the remnant to Mt. Zion. The Health Reform is being adopted by them. I think they are beginning to reap some of the blessings accruing therefrom, though there is some confusion on the dress-reform. There is such a difference in the style worn by the sisters, that it makes us appear to poor advantage in the eyes of the community. Our sisters want information. I do think there should be uniformity in the pattern of the dress. Why don’t some of the experienced brethren or sisters speak through the Reformer or Review, and let the sisters know just what the reform dress is, how it is cut, &c. Where are the patterns that were to be advertised? May the blessing of the Lord be with these churches is my prayer. July 15, took the cars for Rockton, Ill., where I joined Bro. Andrews, to labor jointly for the churches in the Ill. and Wis. State Conference. Dear brethren and sisters, aid us by your prayers. H. C. BLANCHARD.
Rockton, July 16, 1867.