A Company of Sabbath-Keepers
By L. McCoy
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Allow one who has never occupied a place in these columns, to speak a word for the cause of truth. I feel very thankful that we have been permitted to hear the sound of the third angel's message; and I rejoice that we had hearts to receive the same. How good the Lord has been to us, to send his messengers of truth this way to warn us of the near-approaching danger. While the great mass of the human family reject this warning, as was the case in the days of Noah and Lot, yet we rejoice that a few are preparing to meet the Lord at his coming; a few are trying to "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." When we look over the struggles and triumphs that the cause of truth has had here in this place, the last eight months, we feel like praising God for his goodness and his mercy; for we realize that his mighty power has been felt here. We have had no preaching since last December. Since our organization in October, our numbers have steadily increased. We now number about twenty-five Sabbath-keepers. We have Sabbath School and Sabbath and weekly prayer-meetings, which are well attended. With preaching here a good work might be done. The little company at this place were brought out through the labors of Elders Butler and Canright during last June and July. Notwithstanding the exceedingly bad weather during the entire time, they labored hard and incessantly for the cause of truth, amidst the strongest opposition and persecution by all the sects of the place. Non-professors of religion were astounded at the malignant and vindictive spirit manifested by many professors of religion, and even ministers of the gospel, against the advocates of present truth. And I am sorry to say that spirit has not died out yet. But amidst all this opposition we have many warm friends who are not blinded by prejudice, but are willing to hear truth at all times. We are thinking strongly of building a house of worship soon. The cause of truth is stronger here now than at any time before. We hail the visits of the REVIEW and Instructor with delight, and receive much strength and encouragement therefrom. We keep an abundance of tracts for any who wish to read. We pray that the Lord will extend the work throughout the land. The truth is indeed precious to God's humble people; and as the light is increasing on the truth, God grant that his people may see it, and have strength to live it out. Keokuk Co., Iowa, March 21, 1870.