THE CAUSE IN IOWA by GEO. I. BUTLER.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 6, 1869

THE CAUSE IN IOWA.

By GEO. I. BUTLER.

SINCE my last report, I have filled my appointments that were made through the REVIEW, been to the north part of the State, and packed up and moved to Mt. Pleasant, in the southern part of the State. On my trip northward there were a few items of interest. At Anamosa, five were baptized. At State Center, the brethren and sisters who had removed there from the churches of Clyde and Crane's Grove, Ill., with some others, were partially organized, Bro. S. Holly being appointed leader. Systematic Benevolence was organized to the amount of nearly two hundred and fifty dollars. At Laporte City, one was baptized. Elder Brinkerhoof is a member of a law firm, and a regularly-ordained preacher among the Universalists. At least, it was so stated in public in his presence by Eld. Snook. His position is a theological curiosity. A Sabbatarian Universalist, or rather, restorationist, as he expresses it, believing that all men will finally be saved, but not believing in the immortality of the soul. Thus men of good minds drift when they leave the plain landmarks of present truth.

The few at Fayette continue firm, and some others have again commenced keeping the Sabbath, who had given it up. Our meetings at West Union were well attended; indeed, the house was full. I tarried at Waukon but a little over a week. Parted with the dear friends of that church where I have resided upward of twelve years, and changed my residence to Mt. Pleasant, Henry Co., hoping that I could do more good there, and be with my family more than at Waukon. I hope the move was in the providence of God. But it seems painful to separate with so many old and tried friends. Oh! shall we all finally meet in that bright world, where partings will never come? May God grant it. A great work needs to be done for that church as well as others; but there are quite a number who are striving to go through.

So another Conference year has passed away, of labor, temptation, trials, and burden-bearing. In some respects there has seemed to be a growth of the cause here in Iowa, during the last Conference year. Three new churches, with S. B. funds amounting to about five hundred dollars a year, stand ready to be admitted to the Conference when it shall assemble. Over eighty names have been joined to our membership. This is more encouraging than it has been for some years previous when there was a yearly decrease of membership. I would there had been a proportionate increase of piety and devotion to God. I cannot speak encouragingly in this respect. I fear there has rather been a great increase in worldliness, stagnation, and spiritual death. There seems to be a spell upon us, much like that which the disciples experienced just before the Saviour's crucifixion. The senses are benumbed, apathy and a deathlike stupor seem to reign supreme over many minds, and all are much affected by these things. As an individual I confess that these feelings come over me at times with terrible power. It sometimes seems almost useless for me to preach at all. I hope these things are not so everywhere to the same extent as in this State. Perhaps it will be considered out of place to make such statements in print. But it seems to me if anything is said the truth should be given, and this is my conclusion after six months' labor in our churches. How glad I should be could some one labor here that had enough of the Spirit of God, and the power which cometh from above, to arouse these precious souls who are in such imminent danger of being lost.

From the above it can be readily seen we need help. Our new tent is pitched in an entirely new field. With the help we have at present it cannot be expected our churches shall receive much labor the coming summer. Bro. Canright and I shall feel called upon to labor in new fields. I have just closed six months of wearing labor with them, and it has not seemed to amount to much. Cannot Bro. White come here with his new tent and go through the State holding a series of meetings at prominent points? We have plenty of funds. Our brethren through the State would fairly clap their hands at the announcement of such a thing. There is a general desire all over the State for the labors of Bro. and Sr. White. In our large meetings our churches are situated so far apart that it is impossible that near all of them should be able to come, and the very ones most needy of help, the worldly-minded, the ones covered up in the cares of life, think it is impossible for them to go, of course. Should this invitation be accepted, and meetings at proper places be held, I can safely say the mass of our people would be reached, and I think a great impetus would be given to the work here. I believe the breezes from our broad prairies would bring health and strength to these worn servants of God. We hope this will be prayerfully considered.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Sigourney, Iowa, June 22, 1869.