REPORT FROM IOWA by George I. Butler

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 10, 1868

REPORT FROM IOWA.

By George I. Butler

After the close of the Sandyville meeting, I gave one discourse at the request of Bro. Morrison, at the school-house near his residence, upon the signs of the times, to quite a fair-sized audience. They gave good attention, and seemed interested. I think there is a good opening for a course of lectures at some future time.

I remained over the following Sabbath at Knoxville to attend to some writing, and also for the purpose of speaking to the church upon important subjects. I was happily surprised to see quite a number of the Sandyville brethren at the Sabbath meeting, coming about twenty miles for the purpose of hearing the word. It shows that some have an interest in the truth, and are willing to take some pains to obtain the blessing of God.

How many will wonder in the day of judgment when the cloud is removed from their eyes, and they see things in their true light, and the value of what they have lost forever, and the trifling nature of those things they labor so hard to obtain, that they took no more pains in their days of probation to attend meeting, and other helps which God has given for their good, and that they were so eager to devote every moment they could to their worldly business, fearing lest a little time or property should be lost, thus neglecting the very

means that God has ordained for their furtherance on in divine life. The thought of these things will then, as they see their miserable folly, burn deep into their very souls. Yet we see many taking this very course. They can hardly stop a moment lest the little profits slip through their fingers. May God open their eyes before it is too late.

I gave one discourse at Knoxville upon church government, and the relation the officers and members of a church sustain to each other, and when some mistakes have been made in the past, &c., as God has revealed in his holy word. Good attention was paid, and I trust it was well received. As it seems a favorable time now to commence the work of church discipline, as all see the importance of it, and a man is placed at the head of things in whom the church generally have confidence, it is to be hoped that there will be a forward movement in the right direction. Two were admitted to the church, and others also stand outside whom we believe ought to and will come in if they see the church taking a high position morally, and raising up the standard where it should be.

This is one bad effect of a lack of church discipline and watchcare of members. When things are left at loose ends, those who would really be an honor to the cause, and cast a healthy influence around, have no desire to unite themselves to a church where things are all in disorder and confusion. They know the church would be no particular help to them, and that many unpleasant things would arise. Therefore some will stay outside; and thus the church loses the very members who would be a help, by assisting to raise up the standard high. But we look for a better state of things in K. than has existed in the past. It can be brought about by the elder moving out humbly but firmly for the right, and by the members rallying around him, and supporting him in all things that are right; but in no other way can it be accomplished.

Since the Knoxville meeting, I have commenced a course of lectures near Unionville, Appanoose Co., in Bro. Howell's neighborhood. Bro. H. was formerly the elder at Eddyville. Have now got into the midst of the Sabbath question. Have generally had nearly a school-house full, and some seem interested. What the result will be I cannot tell. I desire to give at least one course of lectures this winter besides going through the churches in the State, partly to gain an experience by trying it alone, so that I might be fitted to labor on in the good cause in which we are engaged. I have felt the solemnity of the work since commencing here, as never before. Truly a mighty work is committed to our trust as a people. May the Lord help me to ever realize it.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Unionville, Iowa, Feb. 24, 1868.