ILLINOIS

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, February 19, 1880.

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 55, No. 8

Aroma.—This town is on the Iroquois River, toward Papineau. I have now given thirteen discourses in two school-houses, and some are receiving the truth. We hold our first Sabbath meeting Feb. 7. We are in a stronghold of spiritualists, and two of my discourses last Sunday were against spiritualism. At the close of my first discourse, I was attacked by three spiritualists, and spent more than an hour answering questions and arguments. Strength and clearness were granted me for the occasion.

As the result of this effort and of another made at another point the same day, many minds were helped, and some who were leaning toward spiritualism took their stand against it.

We expect more opposition, but shall aim, by the help of God, to raise up a church here. Pray for our success.

Feb. 5. D. T. BOURDEAU.

Compromise, Champaign Co., Feb. 10.—Commenced meetings in this place Dec. 28. The Disciple preacher was inclined to oppose us from the beginning; he was anxious for a debate on the law question. We told him that after we had our positions fairly before the people, then, if they wished to hear the matter discussed, we would debate with him. At his regular appointment soon after, he attacked us on the “Law and Sabbath.” We took notes, and after he dismissed his congregation we called them to order, and took a vote as to whether we should review him. Nearly all present voted for the review, which we undertook, we think, with good results.

We are now giving a course of lectures in an adjoining neighborhood, with a good interest. The interested ones from the other district attend here also, and the prospect looks fair for good to be done in the name of the Lord. Bro. J. L. Dickson, who was licensed at our last Conference, is teaching school here, and assists in our meetings. He was formerly a member of the Disciple church, but was convinced on the Sabbath question by reading the debate between Elds. Waggoner and Vogel.

E. O. HAMMOND.

Bloomington, Feb. 8.—I came to this place Jan. 16, and held meetings over Sabbath and Sunday. On first-day we held a business meeting, to consider the subject of canvassing the city for our periodicals, and also the propriety of making an effort to build a church in this place. We gave some instructions with reference to canvassing, after which several brethren and sisters volunteered to engage in the work. Accordingly the city was districted, and each was assigned his section in which to solicit subscribers for the Signs, Good Health, and the Instructor.

The subject of building was next considered, when it was unanimously agreed that we make an earnest effort to erect a house of worship costing about $800 or $1000. A committee was chosen to draw up subscription papers and circulate them. We have up to this writing received pledges to the amount of $425, with promises of assistance from some of the most prominent business men in the city. We think it will not be difficult to raise means with which to forward the work.

Bloomington is near the center of the State, and railroads center here from various directions, so that a few hours’ ride is all that would be required to bring together a goodly number of our brethren. This would be a good point for our State and district quarterly meetings, and other large gatherings. Our people need the benefit of a T. and M. Institute. If we could secure the services of Bro. Smith, a course of Biblical lectures might be given here with profit, had we a suitable place in which to hold them. We hope all our brethren in the State and elsewhere, who love the cause, and would feel it a privilege, will lend a helping hand in this enterprise.

Since coming to this place we have visited the brethren at Gridley, Mackinaw, Tremont, and Leroy. With some of them we held public services; with others this was impracticable, the brethren being unable to meet together on account of bad roads. We visited them at their homes, however, and with one or two exceptions found them awake and ready for every good word and work.

Before the holidays we held some meetings in the neighborhood of Mackinaw. Three took their stand to keep the Lord’s Sabbath. Next week I go to join Bro. Hammond in giving a course of lectures at Ogden, Champaign Co. Brethren, pray for the cause in this section.

J. F. BALLENGER.