Report from Iowa by A. C. Bourdeau; D. T. Bourdeau

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 2, 1866

Report from Iowa.

By A. C. Bourdeau; D. T. Bourdeau

BRO. WHITE: Since we wrote our report of the 27th ult, we have held meetings in Fairfield and Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and attended the large gatherings in Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin.

The meeting in Fairfield was not large on account of the rain, and muddy going; yet we were happy to find that all those who had tried in the past to abide in the faith, and to show their faith by corresponding works, were settled and established in the present truth. We hope, that while the chaff is being sifted out, those that remain will press toward sanctification, and go through to the kingdom with God's people.

We held four meetings in Mt. Pleasant. At the close of our second discourse, on the Sabbath, liberty was given to the brethren and sisters to speak. We sung twice, and nearly forty testimonies were given in thirty minutes. A few outsiders were present, among whom was a respectable Physician, who expressed a desire to possess the religion that was portrayed in the preaching. An effort has been made to draw some away from the church, but thus far the effort has proved a failure. We attribute this failure to the fact that this church are trying to live out the truth.

The Convocation Meeting which was held at Pilot Grove, Iowa, was one of the best meetings we ever attended. About three hundred Sabbath-keepers were present, and the manner in which they had provided to take care of themselves, evinced to all that they did not come for the loaves and fishes. They had a better object than this in view. They came to work for the Lord, expecting to get their spiritual strength renewed, and their expectation was fully realized. A good work was accomplished for those who had for some time been on the back ground, and for the children and youth. Several made a start in the good way of serving the Lord, and expressed their desire to share in the reward that awaits the righteous. The Lord gave good liberty to his servants while they tried to speak the word. Especially did we appreciate the faithful labors of Elders Loughborough and Andrews in this meeting. The remarks made by Bro. Loughborough on the prosperity of the cause, and relative to the Health Reform Institute, were cheering and encouraging to all.

At the meeting in Clyde, Ill., eight discourses were given on our position, business deal, the affections, Laodicean message, Health Reform, and Hope. The prayer and social meetings were interesting, and the brethren and sisters heartily responded to the truths spoken on all points. The church in Clyde is one of the largest churches in Ill., and comprises several enterprising young men and women, who are trying to show that their hearts are in the work by giving largely of their means to help advance the cause in all its departments.

The Convocation Meeting in Monroe, Wis., was held under rather unfavorable circumstances. The weather was cold and rainy, and we had to hold some of the meetings in the S. D. A. meeting-house in this place, which was too small to accommodate all that would have been glad to attend. About one hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers were present, which is not as many as would have attended if the weather had been warmer.

We had a peculiar experience in the first part of the meetings. Deep solemnity rested upon the preachers which led many to shed tears. But as the meetings progressed, several confessed in regard to their worldly-mindedness, and lukewarmness, and we thought we could account for the solemnity that we had felt. The meeting increased in interest till the close.

We are thankful for the privilege that we have had in forming new acquaintances with brethren and sisters, and with preachers in Ill. and Wis.; and having had a short respite from our arduous labors in Iowa, we again cheerfully resume our labors in that state, hoping still to be remembered in the prayers of God's people.

A. C. & D. T. BOURDEAU.

Freeport, Ill., Sept. 19, 1866.