p. 173 | IOWA | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, March 17, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 11

IOWA

BELMONT, WRIGHT CO., MARCH 3.—Began meetings in the Congregational church of this place, Feb. 21. The attendance thus far has averaged about one hundred. People seem interested, so much so that some are bringing their Bibles, or paper and pencil, marking every text referred to. Present truth is new to this people, except to a few who have read papers and books distributed by a brother living seven miles in the country. Have given two discourses on the life and death question, which are agitating the people, and creating a desire to hear further. Will introduce the Sabbath question in a few days. I hope and pray that the minds of the people may be prepared for the reception of this testing truth, and that I may have wisdom and the aid of the Spirit of God in presenting it. To this end I ask the prayers of my brethren. IRA J. HANKINS.

CROTON, BONAPARTE, AND AUGUSTA.—We have recently met with the friends of the cause in Croton and Bonaparte. We held meetings in the former place one week, and while there the weather was very cold and stormy, and the snow quite deep for Southern Iowa. There are sixteen in and near this place, who have espoused the precious cause of truth. They have regular Sabbath meetings. Some of them showed a commendable zeal in attending the meetings while we were there. One lady, whose husband does not observe the Sabbath, came two or three miles on horseback; and we thought if some of our older members of the different churches would make a corresponding effort to keep up their Sabbath meetings, it would be pleasing to God, and beneficial to his cause; but we have observed that in some places persons stay away from the Sabbath meetings, when the reasons offered for so doing would not be justifiable in the sight of man from a worldly standpoint, saying nothing of the more important consideration,—how God regards such a course of conduct in us. See Heb. 10: 24, 25.

We held meetings two days with the church in Bonaparte. This church is quite small, but regular Sabbath meetings are held in a convenient hall which is rented by the year at reasonable rates. The members all seemed to be in harmony, and the outside interest was quite good. At our last meeting the hall was so well filled, it seemed that an effort should be made here to build up this church.

We are now holding a series of meetings in Augusta. This is a new place, four miles from Denmark, where we had the tent pitched last fall. The Methodist meeting-house of this place has been offered for our use. C. A. AND JUDSON WASHBURN.

DIST. NO. 11.—I returned to this district Jan. 1, having been absent five months. Attended the church quarterly meeting at Smithland; and although the roads were drifted badly, the attendance was good. I remained there one week, and endeavored to impress upon the minds of the brethren the importance of all the branches of the cause. We felt that the Lord was with us. Sold $21.20 worth of books, and obtained one subscription for the REVIEW, and one for the Instructor. It is a good indication when our brethren and sisters purchase our publications. Why would it not be well for all our Sabbath-keeping families to have a full set of our bound books?

Jan. 10, 11, I was with the church at Battle Creek, Ida Co. For the first time this newly organized church celebrated the ordinances. The Lord came near by his Spirit, and touched the hearts of all present.

From Battle Creek, I went to Odebolt, where I held a short series of meetings last summer. During my absence of five months, which I could not possibly avoid, the enemy did not fail to improve the time and opportunity. Those who were opposed to us did all they could to prejudice the people against the cause. A few, however, love the truth, and intend to obey it. Elds. Olsen and Tenney were there at the last meeting, and spoke in the town hall. Their earnest admonitions favorably impressed those who were present.

Feb. 6, I came with Elds. Olsen and Tenney to Battle Creek, where I remained one week after they left. The Lord graciously blessed us in these meetings. Three for whom we had hoped took their stand for the truth, which encourages the church.

I visited the Storm Lake church Feb. 1, 2. The brethren there are few and scattered. They love the truth, and are pleading for more help; and it does seem that they have been neglected. The meetings were held in Bro. Moon’s house, five miles from town. On the Sabbath the Lord gave us his Spirit in

a large measure. Oh for more of the quickening power!

On my return to Battle Creek, I received a very urgent request from Mapleton to hold meetings there in the Baptist church. Although much pressed for time I did not dare to neglect the call. I found a few deeply interested as the result of reading our publications furnished them by the Smithland tract society. We held eight meetings Sabbath and first-day. As a result, ten signed the covenant. We organized a Sabbath-school of twenty-five members. Bro. T. W. John, a brother of Eld. A. A. John, was elected superintendent. They take ten copies of the Instructor. I obtained four subscriptions for the REVIEW, and sold $3 worth of books. I shall meet with them once more before going to Marshalltown. I have enjoyed these meetings much because the blessing of God has attended them. When the Lord works for us, the cause moves onward. A. G. DANIELLS.