p. 328 | REPORT FROM IOWA by Geo. I. Butler

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 5, 1868

REPORT FROM IOWA.

By Geo. I. Butler

My last report closed with the meeting at Mt. Pleasant, March 22. From Mt. P., I came through to Washington and tarried at the hospitable home of father Kilgore, during the week, attending to writing and other business. Sabbath morning a goodly number met at the school-house near Bro. K.'s, according to appointment. We were pleased to meet Bro. Jacob Hare, who brought a load from Mt. Pleasant, nearly thirty miles through the mud, to join us at this meeting. The brethren from Pilot Grove could not all attend, on account of the bad going. Yet quite a number were present. The Lord gave some liberty in speaking the word. I gave two discourses Sabbath, and we had an interesting conference meeting. In the evening after the Sabbath, we met for the investigation of a matter which had been the cause of some trial in the church. Censure was laid where it seemed to belong, and I trust good will result, not only to the church, but to the offending individual. I gave one discourse Sunday morning, and our meeting closed with an excellent communion, in which the tender, melting Spirit of the Lord was present. All had it to say that we had had a profitable meeting.

The following Tuesday evening I met with the few at Iowa City, according to appointment. Some came nearly twenty miles to hear the word preached. I had but little freedom in speaking the word. There are but few in this city who keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and there is not that union and love prevailing in all respects that there should be. We hope in the future, that a better state of things may exist.

The following Sabbath and Sunday, met with the brethren and sisters at Anamosa. A large majority of the friends of the cause were present who lived within a reasonable distance of the meeting, and some were present from a distance of over fifty miles. I gave four discourses in all; three were baptized, three joined the Anamosa church, and three the Marion church, some of whom have not previously come into the last organization. Our meetings closed Sunday afternoon with a communion season of much interest. All thought we had a profitable meeting.

On my way to Laporte City, I stopped at Marion a few days. This little band is increasing in numbers and spiritual strength, and seem to be alive in the great work. They have passed through heavy trials heretofore, and may expect to have others hereafter; but I believe that quite a number of them will at last come out purified, made white, and tried, and stand in the last day. I met with them in their Tuesday evening prayer-meeting, which was profitable to us all.

On my way to my next appointment, I stopped at

Vinton with Sr. Denman, who has been struggling along for years, keeping the Sabbath and taking the Review. Her husband was very kind to me. May the Lord help him to see the importance of starting for the kingdom with his companion. There was quite a band at one time at Vinton. But some have moved away, others given up entirely, and others gone with the opposition. Sr. D. has tried to hold on all alone, through much discouragement. We hope at some future time she may have the privilege of hearing preaching again, and meeting with those of like precious faith.

At Laporte City, I gave five discourses. There seemed to be some interest on the part of those outside the church, to hear the truth. There was not that degree of union and love among some of the members of the church toward each other, which is so pleasant when we see it existing in the members of Christ's body. There was too little, by far, of the spirit of the new commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples. I fear that were this test applied, many professed disciples of Jesus would be shown not to belong to him. Oh! how little do those who manifest jealousy and antipathy in the church, as is often seen, realize what it is to be a disciple of Jesus, who was so meek and lowly, so loving and tender.

During the first part of the meetings, I did not have much freedom in speaking the word. But toward the last, God blessed by giving power and edge to the truth. I trust the opportunity was not lost, but will be of permanent benefit to the church. They have passed through grievous trials in the past, and Satan is still setting his snares for them. Some see these things clearly, but others, I fear, do not. May the Lord help all to be watchful, prayerful, and firm for his truth. Some are almost persuaded to go with the little band to the kingdom, and I have no doubt they will, if all the church move right and live in the light. One was baptized and joined the church.

At Fayette, Tuesday evening, I held one meeting in the school-house. It was a very rainy, dark, muddy night, and I hardly expected any meeting, it was so bad. I was therefore happily surprised to find fifty or sixty out, who gave excellent attention. I was much encouraged by this stay at Fayette. Although but few have yet come out as a consequence of the labor bestowed there last summer, yet these are taking hold of the truth cautiously and understandingly, and I therefore expect they will remain firm. There is a growing interest there to hear further, and at some time not far distant, I think it will be proper to give another course of lectures there, and make a stronger effort, which I am sanguine will result in good, and some more be brought into the truth.

Sabbath and Sunday, April 18 and 19, met the Waukon and West Union churches in Quarterly Meeting. Was glad to see so many old friends again, after so long an absence. Some four loaded teams came thirty miles through the cold and mud from Waukon. Others also came from Elgin and Fayette. Was much rejoiced to meet Bro. Gillet, who has been stopping awhile this winter at the Health Institute at Battle Creek, and to see what a change has been wrought in his health, through those means which God has so mercifully pointed out of late, to us as a people. Bro. G.'s health has been so poor for years, that he could perform but very little physical labor. How thankful we ought to be, that God has been pleased to instruct us in this way, so that some of those who have long been invalids may be restored to comfortable health and strength, to enjoy those blessings God has so bountifully bestowed.

Our meetings were profitable and interesting, and all seemed well paid for the pains they had taken to be present. I gave three discourses on practical subjects; a spirit of solemnity and heart-searching prevailed, judging by the tears shed, and we hope permanent good may be the result.

Monday following, I reached home again, after an absence of over four months, having traveled about a thousand miles with my own private conveyance, and given eighty discourses. Expect to remain at home till time to start for General Conference. Was glad to find all well, through the merciful care of our Heavenly Father.

Waukon, Iowa, April 24, 1868.

GEO. I. BUTLER.