Earlier text: THE CAUSE IN CANADAMISSOURI MATTERS.
By George Ide Butler
As the time is drawing near when we must consider our fall camp-meeting, I will write a few words concerning it for the benefit of our brethren. This meeting will probably be held about the second or third week in September. Our brethren have generally expressed a desire to have our meeting for the whole State, and for the election of officers and the transaction of Conference and T. and M. business, in the fall this year; hence we expect there will be a general rally. Our meetings this spring were so good, in spite of the wet weather in the southern part of the State, that we expect our brethren will be all the more anxious for a general meeting for the whole State this fall. We expect this will be by far the largest camp-meeting ever held in the State. In many respects it will be the most important meeting ever held here. New officers are to be chosen for the Conference and T. and M. society. It is well known that I accepted office here merely for a time, because of a peculiar combination of circumstances. My term of office has been several months longer than I expected it would be, on account of putting the Conference off till fall. My successor will be installed at the camp-meeting. There are many reasons why a large attendance is demanded at this meeting, prominent among which is the selection of officers for the coming year, and the consideration of the interests of the Conference and the tract and missionary work. We want a general rally of the oldest and most experienced brethren in the State, as well as of all others. This meeting, in all probability, will be held near Sedalia, Mo. This is the most central point in the State, a railroad center. There is a general interest stirred up all around here, and we greatly hope for a good church of Sabbath-keepers here before the camp-meeting. The prospect seems very fair now. A general rally of our friends throughout the Conference will strengthen and solidify the work here. We expect a good field of labor will be created throughout this section by our meetings this summer, and that the camp-meeting will greatly benefit the cause all around here. We earnestly hope that some member of the General Conference Committee and Bro. Farnsworth, of Iowa, will be with us. The time of the year will be the very best for our people to get out, and if they do not make a general rally we shall conclude that the efforts we have been making the past year have accomplished very little indeed for the cause in the State. It is time now to begin to make plans to attend this meeting, to provide tents, etc. If any wish to obtain tents through me, correspond with me at once. If such have the money, I can have the tents on the ground and they can pay me at the camp-meeting. I wish to say a word to our brethren generally throughout the State concerning our systematic benevolence. This fund is very low in Missouri. We have been making special efforts on the T. and M. work, and our S. B. has not received as much attention from our brethren as it has deserved. I have felt so anxious that our tract work should go ahead. I feel thankful there has been so much improvement in this branch of the work. But the time of our annual settlement will soon be upon us, and I greatly fear we shall come much behind in funds to settle up all our accounts. Should such be the case, and our worthy ministers who live in the State be left without a reasonable support or recompense for their labor, I shall feel that this is very good evidence that it is not duty for those like myself, who have come here from other States, to continue here longer and encroach upon the means needed to support the force of ministerial help belonging to the State. I wish our brethren in Missouri to carefully consider and thoroughly weigh this statement. I cannot consent to be a party to deprive worthy laborers who are poor of the meager support they have received. The brethren generally in the State should consider these things. Our camp-meeting will be a point of the deepest importance in the history of the cause in Missouri. Steps have been taken and plans set on foot during the past year, which, if carried out, promise the most beneficial results to the cause in Missouri. My term of office is about to expire, and some one must be selected to carry this work forward. If there is a feeling of carelessness and lack of interest among the Sabbath-keepers of Missouri at this critical point, the cause will fall lower than it has ever before been in this Conference. But if there is a general rally and a determination to carry the work forward at all hazards, a glorious triumph will be gained. There are many good omens of success in connection with the cause here. Things are working well in many parts of the Conference. We have no discouraging words to offer. Our hearts are full of courage. But, on the other hand, we would not shout before we are out of the woods. We would have all the friends of the cause determine that there shall be no go back to this work, but that Missouri shall take her stand among the wide-awake Conferences, and be as earnest as the best. We appeal to our General Conference Committee not to desert us at this juncture, but to help us with their best counsel and labor. Personally, I can say as my official term here in Missouri is about closing, that I have formed very pleasant acquaintances with the brethren in this Conference, and I feel the deepest interest in the prosperity of the cause here—such an interest as I cannot express. I want to see all the friends of the cause together at this meeting. I may not ever have such a privilege again. Come, brethren, plan to attend this meeting. Let us have the best meeting ever held in the State. Let the leaders of our churches read this in the Sabbath meeting to the churches. Some do not have the REVIEW. Sedalia, Mo., July 18, 1878. CANTON VAUD.
By John Nevins Andrews
I HAVE now been with Bro. Bourdeau in Canton Vaud two weeks, engaged in an entirely new field. We have attempted to carry on meetings in three villages. In one the way is for the present closed up; in the other two we think the prospect is quite good. In Orbe we hire a hall in a hotel; in Valleyres we have the hall of the commune, that is to say, the town hall, and the syndic, the officer who has the control of the hall, permits us to use it free of expense. We have had at V. about eighty hearers, while at the National Church there are ordinarily only two or three men and a few women who are regular attendants. So if we can do any good in V. the National Church ought not to complain, seeing it has no power to do anything in that place. At present the people seem to be much interested. In Orbe we have about the same number of hearers as in V. We have sold in this place more than thirty francs' worth of books, and as other subjects are introduced calling for other books we shall sell many more. But in this village the opposition is very bitter. The ministers have commenced to preach against us, and one of them yesterday spoke in a very bitter manner. The syndic of Orbe has sought to shut us out of our hall in the hotel, and even to compel us to leave the village. But all our arrangements were legal, and our passports gave us such advantage that he was obliged to desist in his efforts to drive us away. Now the effort is to prevent our hearers from coming to our hall. We hope that this opposition will be in the main ineffectual. Bro. B. will remove his family to this place immediately, and we intend to make an effort in all the villages in this vicinity as far as it is possible. Orbe, Vaud, July 2, 1878. MINNESOTA
By D. P. Curtis; N. Battin
We have now given twelve discourses to good congregations, and they have listened with the utmost quiet and attention. Never have we had better order or closer attention. We began upon the Sabbath question night before last. The interest has seemed to rise, and we feel encouraged to hope for good results. We have a number of invitations to call upon families both in town and in the country. Last evening the Episcopal minister gave a discourse to his church upon the signs of the times, and warned them against listening to the false prophets who were among them, etc. We gave notice that we would review it at the tent to-morrow evening. Interest Increasing at Oswayo
By E. W. Whitney; H. Robinson
Tent No. 10, Oswayo, Pa., July 15.
SINCE our last report, the interest here has continued to increase. The weather has been very fine, and everything has seemed to work in our favor. Fourteen have decided to keep the Sabbath, and we confidently hope for several others to join the number. These, without an exception, are people who stand high in the community and in the different churches. Those who have opposed us have done it in a very shrewd manner, keeping all they could from coming out to the meetings and being very careful, at the same time, not to offer any open opposition; but they now begin to become alarmed as they see some of their best members embracing the truth, and one of their number advertised to speak on “The Bible and Adventism from our Stand-point” one evening last week. We took up our appointment so that all might go to hear the other side; but there were but seventeen present, and the effort was a complete failure. Eld. B. L. Whitney has rendered efficient aid by being present and speaking two evenings during the past week. We have secured an organ, and hope to have our most interesting meetings the coming week. Eld. Whitney will be with us next Sabbath and Sunday, at which time we expect to have baptism. E. W. WHITNEY.
H. E. ROBINSON. TENNESSEE
By S. Osborn; G. K. Owen
Cross Plains, Robertson Co., July 17. We closed our meetings at Goodlettsville, June 30, with large congregations. Many acknowledged the truth, but the prospect of success in persuading them to obey was not sufficient to warrant us in remaining longer. Three were baptized at the close of our meetings, two of whom had been keeping the Sabbath before. Others who had been keeping the Sabbath were encouraged by the meetings and wish to be baptized soon. We commenced meetings at Cross Plains in the tent, July 12. This pleasant village twelve miles from the railroad contains about one hundred and twenty-five inhabitants. They are very kind in supplying our needs. We have large congregations of attentive hearers. Books sell. D. H. LAMSON
By D. H. Lamson; H. M. Kenyon
It is just one week since our meetings began in this place. There seems to be no abatement in the interest. Our week-day congregations average about one hundred and fifty, and sometimes we have a hundred more. We are told, and think perhaps it may be true, that were it not for the excessively warm weather, many more would attend. The ladies of the W. C. T. U. had an appointment last night for Capt. J. P. Linscott, of Grand Rapids, to speak in the opera house. The weather was so oppressive39 they thought the tent would be preferable, and solicited the privilege of using it. This was gladly granted; in fact, we had offered the tent to the society for the purpose mentioned. The change of place was advertised by dodgers all over town, and a crowd of people came to the tent. Capt. Linscott did not appear; and by the earnest request of the officers of the society and the people, and with not more than twenty minutes' notice, the subject of temperance was canvassed to the apparent delight and satisfaction of all. Many people listened to us, who perhaps could not have been persuaded under any other circumstances to come to the tent. We trust that God will turn this incident to our advantage and that we may be able to place ourselves in such relations to society as to be benefited by every providence. We earnestly desire the prayers of the people of God. How oft the cry goes up,
How oft the plea:
“I'm weary, Lord of Life,
O, comfort me.” From hearts all sick and faint,
The words are wrung;
From rich and poor alike,
From old and young. Oh! why should man thus sing
This solemn song?
How long is it to be?
O Lord, how long? How long the weariness,
How long the strife,
How long the bitterness
Of mortal life? O man! the Word replies,
The end is near;
Soon gone will be the pain,
And falling tear. Sweet rest, and peace, and joy,
O prospect bright!
No weary hearts or heads,
No darksome night! Then bear your trials well,
Time speeds away;
The morning soon will dawn,
Bright, endless day. Tent No. 1, New London, July 15. ABOUT one dozen have accepted the truth here; others will soon follow. Baptisms and Covenant Signings at Cataract
By A. J. Breed
Tent No. 6, Cataract, July 14. To-day ten were buried with Christ in baptism. Eleven signed the covenant. Besides these, we leave nine keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, and still others in the valley of decision. Of those who signed the covenant, six came out under our labors this summer, four under the labors of Bro. Snow last winter, and one kept the Sabbath before. Many more will be gathered in, if the brethren here are faithful. We took down our tent to-day. Tent Work at Mukwonago
By C. W. Olds; E. M. Crandall
Tent No. 4, Mukwonago, July 16. Our congregations the past week have been smaller, owing to the extremely hot weather and the busy season of the year; but those that have attended still seem to be interested. We had a good turnout Sunday evening. The people listened attentively. We shall try to do the most of our work by visiting. Two have decided to keep the Sabbath. Brethren and sisters, pray that the work may widen and deepen in the hearts of this people. Truly the Lord is good. To him be praise evermore. C. W. OLDS.
E. M. CRANDALL. Work in Manitowoc
By Ole Andres Olsen; N. Clausen
Text No. 2, Manitowoc, July 17. We closed our meetings here last evening. Have given twenty discourses. The meetings opened with a very small attendance, but as they continued the interest increased some. There have been a few interested hearers from the first. Some that had previously read on subjects connected with present truth have decided to obey; others have begun to examine and investigate. By following up the work we expect a company will be brought out that will obey all the truth. Our work here seems to be done at present. We go to-day to Clay Banks, Door county. Our address will be Sturgeon Bay, Door county, Wis.
O. A. OLSEN.
N. CLAUSEN. D. A. ROBINSON
By D. A. Robinson
SABBATH and first-day, July 6 and 7, I spent with the church at Danvers. We celebrated the ordinances, nearly all participating. Some who had not given the matter a moment’s thought were unprepared to do so. Their Sabbath-school is prospering finely, and the report of the past quarter showed that a good interest had been manifested. We sincerely hope that our older schools will not come behind in this matter. Our meetings at Townsend are still in progress. Yesterday (Sabbath) twelve arose, signifying their determination to keep all God’s commandments. There are others who, we think, will take hold of the truth. We shall remain another week and do what we can to strengthen those that have taken their stand, and to help others also. The Methodist minister gave us a call yesterday, and we had quite a long talk. He has promised his flock a sermon on the Sabbath question as soon as “that tent leaves.” One of us will try to be here, and get the benefit of his instructions. OUR meetings, during the two weeks just past have been well attended, and the interest is becoming more general. The leading men in town have attended, and done all they could for us. At Gadsden we found just about an opposite state of things. The farmers, who compose the larger portion of our congregation here, will have their crops “laid by” this week, and then we shall have a larger attendance. July 13 we held our first Sabbath meeting, and it was well attended, even the Masonic lodge, which was holding a special session, adjourned and came. Yesterday our tent was well filled three times. The mercury, for several days and several hours each day, has stood at 93°. The friends are mindful of our wants. We do not sell many books, for there is no money in the country. We can use old REVIEWS, SIGNS, REFORMERS, INSTRUCTORS, and any of our publications which have been kept clean. I suggest that those who read this report, who may have such reading matter, send to my address as many papers or tracts, neatly wrapped, as will require ten cents postage, and they may be assured they will be read with interest. A. O. BURRELL. NEW YORK AND PENNSYLVANIA.
By S. B. WHITNEY
Tent No. 2, Newfane, N. Y., July 16. Can still report progress. I should have stated in my report last week that the Baptist minister is still discussing the immortality theme. He gave another discourse last Sunday, which I reviewed in the evening. The most important thing that has transpired is the opposition of a first-day Adventist. He applied for the tent, but being doubtful as to his standing and ability I appealed to the congregation as to whether they wanted to hear him; and could get but one man to say that he did. He then obtained the Methodist church. He read a few first-day texts, saying that was all he could find, and then introduced Grant's and Carver's books and read for over two hours, occasionally throwing in a base insinuation of his own. At the close I stated the character of the books before the audience, and invited them to the tent to hear them exposed. The tent was full, nearly as many again being present as there were in the church, and the Lord gave freedom and a most complete victory for the truth. The interest has been rising ever since, and I was told yesterday that it was thought there were a thousand people in and around the tent Sunday evening. Eld. C. A. Burdick, S. D. Baptist, with a two-horse load of friends, came fifteen miles to attend an evening meeting. They manifested much friendship, and interest in tent operations. S. B. WHITNEY. West Pike, Pa
By J. G. Saunders
In company with Bro. B. L. Whitney and M. C. Wilcox, I attended a meeting at West Pike held June 8 and 9. Bro. Whitney spoke four times with great freedom, to attentive congregations. Bro. M. C. Wilcox spoke once. On Sunday four were baptized. It was interesting to see husband and wife together throw off the world with all its vain allurements and humbly receive the yoke of Christ. A church of nine members was organized. The subject of S. B. was taken up, and all pledged freely. Then a Sabbath-school was organized. There was the best of feeling on the part of those not of our faith. If this little church proves faithful, as many more will soon take their stand on the side of truth. May the blessing of God rest upon them. J. G. SAUNDERS. JULY 6 and 7, I met with friends at Fremont. Organized a church of ten members, and baptized six. The church here are making progress in overcoming. To-day, July 18, we pitch our new fifty-foot tent in Bonaparte, Van Buren county, a flourishing town of one thousand inhabitants. The brethren at Bentonsport, four miles distant, are giving every aid necessary. Bro. Starr, whom I expect here, has not yet arrived. Pray for the work here. Sabbath Interest in Winterset
By J. H. Morrison
Tent No 1, Winterset, July 16. The interest here is still good. We have canvassed the Sabbath question pretty thoroughly. It is calling out considerable opposition on the part of the ministers. Sunday afternoon we reviewed a discourse that had been given on this subject. In the evening we spoke to a large congregation of attentive hearers, after which we took an expression of the people, and only one man dared to vote that he believed the first day to be the Sabbath, while a large number expressed their belief in the seventh-day Sabbath. Twelve of those who had not kept the Sabbath decided, by a rising vote, to do so. We expect Eld. Farnsworth this week.
J. H. MORRISON. Ogden.
By G. V. Kilgore; M. Wing
Since our last report our meetings have been progressing with fair interest and good results. Fourteen have signed the covenant, the most of whom, we trust, will make good reliable members of the church and receive a home in the kingdom. We have had but little opposition except the stay-away argument generally used to keep people from hearing us. We are now in the sixth week of our meetings at this place. Forty-seven discourses have been given. The interest is still good. We shall stay as long as it seems necessary. Expect quite a number more will be obedient to the truth here.
G. V. Kilgore.
M. Wing. MICHIGAN
By J. O. Corliss; M. S. Burnham
Our meetings here closed last evening. The interest has been quite good a part of the time, but since the busy season of haying and harvesting arrived, the attendance has been small through the week. Yesterday was a good day with us. Six were baptized, and others expect to be very soon. We have between twenty-five and thirty keeping the Sabbath. Have obtained eighteen subscribers for the REVIEW and sold about twenty dollars' worth of books. We remove the tent this week to the city of Pontiac, seven miles distant, and shall look after the work here while carrying on the tent-meeting there. J. O. CORLISS,
M. S. BURNHAM. E. B. AND E. S. LANE
By E. B. Lane; E. S. Lane
DURING the past week we have had an excellent attendance. We have had scarcely a meeting with less than two hundred and fifty hearers, and sometimes we have had as many as four hundred and fifty. Ministers, doctors, lawyers, the wealthy and the poor alike, come and take a deep interest. Several here have decided to obey the truth. The interest is so strong that festivals, opposition discourses, and political gatherings do not make any impression on our congregations. The people are very kind, and we cannot keep up with our invitations to visit among them. Our tent company enjoy very precious seasons of prayer each day at six o'clock. Bro. B. F. Richards has spoken twice to large and attentive audiences, with good acceptance. He is a good tent laborer. We desire the prayers of God's people. Meetings at Corunna
By M. B. Miller; H. J. Spicer
Corunna, Shiawassee Co., July 19. We readily found a fine central location on Main street. Have held three meetings. Though the hurry of harvest will for a short time prevent attendance from the country, the congregations and interest are good.
M. B. MILLER.
H. J. SPICER. Scandinavian Tent, Muskegon, July 17.
By A. B. Oyen; M. M. Olsen
We pitched our tent in Manistee and commenced meetings the 28th of June. The attendance from the beginning was small, as the people did not seem to have any interest in the meetings. Some have promised to establish family worship in their homes. They are convinced in regard to the Sabbath, but the prospect of not obtaining work, if they should begin its observance, holds them back. May the Lord inspire them with faith in his word. Two subscribers for the HAROLD and one for the TIDENDE were obtained. Books and charts were sold to the amount of $2.80. We have held three meetings at this place. The attendance has been from twenty to seventy. The people here do not have much prejudice against us, and seem quite willing to hear. We hope that some good may be done. Bro. Brorsen is now with us for a few days. J. F. BALLENGER
By J. F. Ballenger
SABBATH, July 6, was a good day for the Serena church, Bro. I. G. Colcord and myself left the tent in Newark in care of Bro. Foster, and came to assist in word and doctrine. We spoke in the morning on the necessary preparation for baptism. The Lord gave freedom, and his blessing was upon us. After preaching we repaired to Fox River, where Bro. Nettleingham, the local elder, buried three with their Lord in baptism. This was a solemn and impressive scene.
In the afternoon we celebrated the ordinance of humility, and partook of the emblems of our dying Lord. All bore cheerful testimony to the sanctifying power of present truth. One brother who lately embraced the Sabbath at Newark, said he had not enjoyed such a meeting for twenty years, although he had been a church member for forty years. We felt like praying as never before, “Lord, send out thy light and thy truth.” Five were taken into the church. This church is coming up on all points. Their V. M. society is doing a good work. Since Eld. I. G. Colcord moved here last March, this church has taken an advance step. Bro. Colcord desires to see the cause of God prosper, and is willing to sacrifice to this end. Lazette, Cowley Co., July 10. HAVE been here two weeks. Five have taken hold of the truth, and signed the covenant. Have been reviewed on the Sabbath and kingdom questions. I answered the review on the Sabbath question Monday evening, before a crowded house. The Lord vindicated his truth. I was then challenged, before the congregation, by a Campbellite minister, for a discussion on the Sabbath and kingdom. The people voted for the discussion on the Sabbath, but not on the kingdom. Arrangements were then made before the audience for the discussion, and it will commence to-night, the Lord willing, and will last four days. Writing from Garnett, July 18, Eld. Ayers adds:— The discussion at Lazette is over. The Lord vindicated his truth. Three more signed the covenant, making eight in all. We arranged for Sabbath meetings, and organized a Bible-class with eleven members. Have hopes of several others. The interest should have been followed up, as several were deeply interested; but my health failed, and I had to bring the meetings to a close. I am now at home, where I expect to remain through the warm weather. Can Bro. Stevens attend the Rice and Barton county meetings? I am in hopes my health will improve, so I shall be able to labor again this fall, but the Lord's will be done. Pray for me. NEBRASKA
By E. W. Farnsworth
Labor among the Churches.
I visited the church at Orleans, Harlan county, Neb., June 15–17. This church is quite small, yet a good degree of interest in the work is manifested. The preaching was mostly practical, and calculated to impress upon their minds the rapid spread of the truth. Tuesday and Wednesday we spent with the Richmond church, in Furnas county. Our meetings were almost continuous from Tuesday morning till Wednesday night. This little company, although young, is firm and zealous in the truth. This church is another proof of the efficiency of the T. and M. work. Some over two years ago, Sr. Ake, from Benton county, Iowa, moved here with her family. She lived out the truth, and judiciously distributed our works. She united with her neighbors in their Sunday-school, and for a time acted as superintendent. This gave her greater influence and more extended opportunities for presenting the truth, which she cautiously improved. Soon four or five neighbors, mostly sisters, commenced to keep the Sabbath. Others were deeply interested. About this time Bro. Jenkins came there to labor, and as a result of his faithful work, with what had been done, about thirty commenced to keep the Sabbath. I doubt if one-fourth as much could have been accomplished had not the ministerial labor been preceded by the T. and M. work. Where are the hundreds of God-fearing men and women among us who will go and do likewise? June 21, I commenced meetings at New Era. Quite a company of Sabbath-keepers were brought out here last winter by the labors of Bro. Boyd. The no-law element is very strong, and through its influence, and other things combined, nearly all had given up the truth, only one family remaining. We had an excellent hearing, however. Quite a congregation of our brethren came in from other places, and the citizens turned out well, so our house was crowded all the time. Some that had never heard before were deeply interested. I came to Waco, York county, June 27. Bro. H. Shultz labored here last winter, and several accepted the truth. We found this little company faithful to the cause. Our meetings were almost continuous while we were here. Sunday we baptized three. Monday we organized a church of thirteen members. They pledged s. n. to the amount of $113.00. This will be raised considerably. Others are keeping the Sabbath here who will no doubt unite soon. I commenced meetings with the Linwood church, July 5. This quarterly meeting was a profitable season to us all. Two were baptized. Three united with the church. This little company has had troubles to meet, and we expected to be called upon to help settle them; but we were pleased to find them all settled. They said they did not want me to spend my time in settling their troubles, when I ought to be preaching. I would commend this thought to other churches. This church was organized two years ago. There has been very little preaching here since, yet the membership has nearly doubled. I now return to Iowa, expecting to assist Bro. Morrison at Winterset. Tent Efforts at Hickory Corners
By J. B. Frisbie; T. M. Steward
Tent No. 3, Hickory Corners, July 18. We encounter the usual opposition from the clergy by secret slanders and scarecrow reports. The attendance has been small the past two weeks, yet word has been sent us not to pull down our tent, for the people want to hear as soon as the jury is over. Some have commenced to keep the Sabbath; others are deeply interested. May the Lord give us wisdom to warn this people of the dangers that are before us.
J. B. FRISBIE.
T. M. STEWARD. Potterville and Dimondale.
By L. Bean
Met with the Potterville church, Sabbath, July 6, at their quarterly meeting. After a discourse from 2 Cor. 5:10, we had a social meeting in which all the members of the church present took part, expressing good courage in the Christian warfare. One member was disfellowshiped, three were added to the church, and two received as candidates for baptism. After this the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated. After dinner we went five miles to Dimondale. A discourse on the subject of church order was followed by a social meeting, in which all the members of the church bore cheering testimonies. They then engaged in celebrating the ordinances for the first time, manifesting a commendable zeal. Thus our meetings closed near the close of the Sabbath. L. BEAN. Holly, Oakland Co.
By George H. Randall
JULY 13 and 14, held district quarterly meeting at this place. Bro. Geo. A. King and Wm. Potter were present, and gave us four encouraging discourses. For some time in the past this church has had no labor and has done nothing in the T. and M. work, but we found the members rejoicing in the truth. Cheering testimonies were given by all present, and each expressed a determination to press on and gain the reward promised to the faithful. It strengthens our faith and hope to see these lonely ones holding on. GEO. H. RANDALL, Director. ILLINOIS
By G. F. Shonk; A. A. John
Willow Hill, Jasper Co., July 15. COMMENCED meetings in the Baptist church, June 30. Have spoken fifteen times. Several are deeply interested. We have introduced the Sabbath question, and our testimony is well received.
We enjoy the blessing of God, and pray that success may crown our labors. Pray for us.
G. F. SHONK.
A. A. JOHN. Sheffield, Bureau Co., July 15.
By Lewis Johnson
I HAVE now been in Illinois two months, and I thank God that I can see some fruit of my labor, if not as much as I would desire to see. I have visited from house to house a great deal, and have spoken forty-two times. My country people here are not accustomed to attending meetings very often, so in this busy time of year and hot weather I cannot have meetings as often as I wish. But when we do come together we sometimes talk about present truth till after twelve o’clock at night. I have sold and given away about three thousand pages of tracts, and sold nine Bibles to families that had none. Others who had the Bible have commenced reading it with new interest, and wonder that there are so many good things in it. Thank God for his word. LEWIS JOHNSON.