IOWA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · March 3, 1885

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 9

GRANT.—I came to this place, Nov. 13, where I found two families of Sabbath-keepers who embraced the truth some five years ago under the labors of Bro. J. F. Hanson. But as they had had no labor or encouragement since then, they were somewhat discouraged. I gave a course of lectures in a school-house, in a First-day Adventist settlement, six miles from Grant. Met considerable opposition from their minister; yet three decided to obey the truth. After the State Center meeting, I returned to this place and commenced meetings in a Norwegian settlement, about four miles from the former place of meeting. Although the attendance was small at first, and considerable opposition was encountered from several of the leading men of the Lutheran church, the interest, notwithstanding the cold and stormy weather, has increased up to the present, and the attendance is now quite large. Two or three have already commenced to keep the Sabbath, and we have good hopes of several others. Bro. Wilson has been with me during the last two weeks, to help in the work. I have obtained three subscriptions for the Tidende, and sold about $11 worth of books and tracts. Received in donations about $13. I shall remain here a few days longer. May the blessing of heaven rest upon the work at this place. MATTHEW LARSON. Feb. 18.

KNOXVILLE AND MONROE.—Our appointment for Knoxville was Feb. 17, 18, in the middle of the week; but the meeting at Adel, which was appointed for the Sabbath previous, being postponed, we were left free to be at Knoxville Feb. 13-19. This seemed very desirable, and was perhaps providential. We found here one of the oldest churches in the Conference consisting of over fifty members, well officered, and owning a good house of worship. Much labor has been bestowed here in the past. But a few years ago difficulties arose between some prominent members which increased in spite of every effort to subdue them, finally involving more or less the entire church. We did not institute any investigation, but labored to bring into the hearts of the people the meek, forgiving spirit of Christ and a sense of their true condition. Meetings continued five days. Upon Tuesday the blessing of God broke in upon us, melting hearts to tenderness and contrition. Humble and sincere confessions were made with many tears. The Lord came very near by his Spirit. Oh, how our hearts rejoiced to see Satan defeated, and his cruel bands broken, which had so long held the cause in bondage. Bro. Nicola arrived in time for this meeting, and aided by his testimony and advice.

The outside interest, small at first, increased to the close. The last days of the meeting were spent in establishing the work. We expect that systematic missionary work will be carried on here. Preaching by the elder, Bro. C. F. Stevens, was appointed for each Sunday evening. Apparently a large work can be done here by faithful, judicious labor. We became much attached to this people while laboring for them, and left them reluctantly. But with union, courage, and the blessing of God, there are better days before them.

A team from Monroe conveyed us to that place. On our way we held a meeting with Bro. Marshall’s family and a few of the neighbors who came in. The church at Monroe numbers but few, and we found them in a discouraged condition. There were, however, no serious difficulties existing, and yet there was a lack of union and courage, which hindered their progress. At this meeting we shared the labors with Elds. Farnsworth, Nicola, and McCoy. A few of the friends from Sandyville were present. A measure of God’s blessing was in our midst from the first, and as the meetings progressed the interest deepened. We continued the meetings over Monday. On that day eight or ten came forward for prayers, several of them for the first time. The good Spirit of the Lord was present. An elder was chosen and ordained. We left these dear friends much encouraged. The interest among the citizens was manifested by an increasing congregation, and we believe this people have something to look forward to if they will humbly and unitedly walk before God and strive to do his will. O. A. OLSEN, G. C. TENNEY.