IOWA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 28, 1878

Osceola.

Our meeting here, which has just closed, has been a good one. The weather was fine; and we had a very large gathering of our people from adjoining churches. It was a great privilege for me to meet with these old friends, as I had not been here since we built and dedicated the meeting-house, six years ago. A very few have apostatized, several have moved away to live the truth elsewhere; but the most of them were here still, and strong in the truth. Quite a number have joined them. Best of all, the church has lived in harmony and love.

Unexpectedly, the outside interest was very great. Our house was crowded at every sermon. Sometimes all could not get in. A deep impression has been made. Some of the wealthiest families in the county attend, and are about satisfied on the truth. Bro. Farnsworth preached half the time, and gave good satisfaction. We held meetings from Thursday evening to Tuesday evening. We spent most of the time with the brethren, in laying before them the history of the cause, and its present condition and wants. Preached a long sermon on S. B., and then took the pledges of all present, which amounted to $975 per year. This was a large increase over what it had been. I was surprised to find that some of our brethren had not paid a cent of S. B. for years. How can they expect the blessing of God in such a course? About $60 were pledged for new tents, and nearly $1000 for the European mission, though we devoted but a few minutes to the subject.

Monday we had an interesting lesson on the way to keep books properly in the various branches of the work. One session was spent with those designing to preach, of whom there were several present. We found a number of young persons here who ought to attend our school. They will endeavor to do so.

Tuesday we had a business meeting of the church. It was an excellent season. Nine united with the church. Two of these had lately embraced the Sabbath, one took his stand at this meeting, and four were the young daughters of our people. Two of these have just graduated at the highest school in the county. We were glad to find all these young people willing and ready to unite with us in the work of God. Bro. Farnsworth then baptized six of those who united with the church. It was a pleasant scene.

We leave the brethren greatly encouraged. Such meetings are needed in all our Conferences. D. M. Canright.

Forest City.

Our meetings at this place closed March 4, after continuing thirty days. As a result of our labor, between twenty and twenty-five good Christian men and women are now keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. A leader was appointed, and these friends covenanted to meet on the Sabbath until a full organization can be effected. John F. Hanson. Lewis Johnson.