REPORT FROM IOWA by Daniel T. Bourdeau; George I. Butler

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 9, 1867

REPORT FROM IOWA.

By Daniel T. Bourdeau; George I. Butler

FROM the Iowa Conference we came to Marion, and the evening of the 11th ult. we met with the church in that place and labored to bring before them the principles by which we are to be governed in our business dealings with each other and with unbelievers. Among other things we encouraged a spirit of accommodation and benevolence, disapproved of slackness in deal, which perhaps causes more difficulties among brethren than many are aware, and showed the importance of so conducting ourselves in our business transactions with unbelievers, that the good way will not be evil spoken of. Our labors were appreciated. The church here have good meetings, and are pressing together.

Sabbath, June 15, after a wearisome journey of two days, and having traveled four days in all since leaving Pilot Grove, we met with the church at West Union, and tried to show how we should let our light shine before men, to benefit them. Our text was Matt. v, 14–17. We dwelt especially on the necessity of those professing to believe the truth, to come up to every point of their faith, that those embracing the truth may not be hindered in their progress by their example. The evening of the 16th, we spoke to the church on the proper course to pursue to have good prayer and social meetings. First, get into a proper frame of mind by strictly attending to secret prayer, meditation, various family duties, &c. Second, be sure to not get so weary by worldly labor that you will not be in a condition to enjoy the meeting. This rule is just as good for prayer and social meetings, as it is for the proper observance of the Sabbath. Some come to meeting late, with the poorest of their strength, and with the world in their hearts, and wonder why they are not blessed. It perhaps takes them till near the close of the meeting to get into the spirit of worship, if they reach that point at all. How unwise this course. How much better it would be to meet earlier, before you have used up your best energies, to come to meeting with your minds engrossed in contemplation of the worship of God, to not dwell upon your own business before meeting, but to postpone such matters until you have attended to the Lord’s business.

Sabbath, the 22d, spoke twice to the church at Waukon on the subject of humility, and had a good social meeting in which several took part, endorsing the truths spoken. The reform on dress is being adopted by quite a number of the sisters in Waukon and West Union; not by compulsion, but because it is understood in its true light, and appreciated as a part of the Health Reform.

D. T. BOURDEAU. G. I. BUTLER.

Clermont, Iowa, July 1, 1867.