p. 268 | ILLINOIS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, April 28, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 17

ILLINOIS

Since our State meeting at Ridott, Jan. 25, I have held meetings at Rockford, Belvidere, and Roscoe; also a series of meetings at the Gray school-house, six miles east of Roscoe. The meeting at Ridott we think resulted in much good. Since the father and sister of Eld. A. A. John, who was there, and his brother Thomas and his wife, whose home is in Mapleton, Iowa, have commenced observance of the Sabbath. The meeting was indirectly the means of bringing the light to one who was a native of Macedonia, a convert from the Greek Catholic church. He came to this country about two years ago to learn the customs, language, and religion of the American people. He is now attending the Bible lectures at Battle Creek, with the design to return to his native country, and carry light to that dark corner of the earth.

Our meetings in Rockford and Belvidere were signalized by the blessing of the Lord. At the quarterly meeting at Belvidere, one was added to the church; others have been added to their number during the past winter. Bro. Butler’s pamphlet on tithing was read, after which all signed the covenant to pay an honest tithe of their income. The Spirit of the Lord came into our ordinance meeting, and we felt it was good to obey all God’s requirements.

We found the little company at Roscoe of good courage, and still struggling for an existence as the people of God. Though few in number, they keep up their meetings and Sabbath-school, and his wife, to whom they have been furnishing reading matter, promised to keep the Sabbath.

Our meetings at the Gray school-house were attended. The congregation increased until the roads became bad, when we had to close for the present.

In this place the people seem to have had little Bible light. Of the many with whom we have an acquaintance, only three or four make a profession of religion, one a minister of a popular denomination. A number are interested and have commenced to search the Scriptures. One man has commenced to keep the Sabbath. We purpose resuming meetings as soon as the weather will permit. J. F. BALLENGER. IDA W. BALLENGER.

Since my last report, March 23, we have had good meetings here. Our quarterly meeting was a season of unusual blessing to us all. Three souls united with the church by letter, and two brethren and sisters were present and enjoyed the ordinances of the Lord’s house. I came by invitation to Battle Creek, and gave a short course of lectures for the Scandinavian students of our College. Twelve young people attended this course, and we had twenty-one meetings together in fifteen days, besides attending meetings of good instruction given by Elds. Van Brunt and Starr. J. F. HANSON.

THE CHURCHES.—Since reporting through Review, I have held meetings at Bloomington, Gibson, Mackinaw, Peoria, Princeville, and [illegible]. In Bloomington some are interested in reading, through the efforts of Bro. Parmelee. Four new members were added to the Gridley church, and they established regular Sabbath meetings. Bro. [illegible] labors in the tract and colporteur work in [illegible] city have been very successful. At Peoria there are but few Sabbath-keepers. Their hearts seem to be in the work. At the quarterly meeting held at that place, one residing there was encouraged to engage in [illegible]. The church at Princeville is in a rather discouraged condition, on account of the failure of some to live up to the truth. Meetings at Lovington were very encouraging. [Illegible] at the church there, one by vote, one by letter, four by baptism. We were greeted with [illegible] congregations at all our services. C. H. BLISS.