Movements in Iowa by D. T. Bourdeau

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 26, 1867

Movements in Iowa.

By D. T. Bourdeau

LAST Sabbath and first-day we held meetings with the church at Marion, pursuant to appointment, and enjoyed a good degree of strength and freedom in speaking on the national troubles that must soon come upon us, in harmony with the sure word of prophecy, on the state of preparation requisite to meet these troubles, and on our duty to the children.

We endeavored to show the state of our nation; that they had not learned the lessons God wished to have them learn from their past conflict; that there was no more genuine love and humanity shown to the colored race by the southern people, than there was before the war; that the people of our nation had not humbled themselves under the late scourge of the Almighty; that they had only acted like children, who, when overtaken in a fault and corrected for it, by their parents, act as though they were sorry, and promise to do better, not because they have genuinely repented, but because they want to escape the punishment which they are receiving. This has been proved by the sins and pride of this nation since God has, for the time being, partly withdrawn his afflicting hand from them. The United States never were as proud as they now are; and from the word of the Lord we may expect that they will yet be humbled in the dust; though they boast of their prospects of future aggrandizement and prosperity, saying that they will see no sorrow. If we understand the word of the Lord, others will reward unto them double; and we expect foreign intervention, not very far hence, in addition to our own internal troubles. There is great danger of God's people overlooking these solemn truths. Are we preparing for these evils? Do we realize the magnitude of these calamities—how they will necessarily bring us into most trying circumstances, try our faith, and shake all that can be shaken? Do we realize that we shall yet be called upon to take up arms in defense of this country? Are we preparing our children and youth to meet these trials?

At the close of our discourse on our duty to the children, we read important extracts from Testimonies to the church on this subject, which were highly appreciated, as the many hearty confessions which followed evinced. Some confessed that they had not read the testimonies to the church as much as they should, and said that they would read them more.

On first-day we dwelt on the power and benefits of living faith, showing that faith is strengthened as well as made perfect by works; that if we would believe more we should act more in accordance with the faith we already have; that faith follows the channel of revealed truth; that consequently we manifest more genuine faith by professing that we have reached the termination of all prophetic periods, and the latter part of the last generation, and by living accordingly in coming up to all those practical truths adapted to prepare a people for Christ’s coming, including the truths pertaining to the Health Reform, than we should if we were bent to have the Lord come on time, when there is no prophetic period reaching to Christ’s coming, and yet overlooked the real work of preparation to meet the Saviour in peace, and the truths relating thereto. We also showed that it is by faith, which is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen, that the promises of God’s word are made near and precious to us.

At the close of our remarks we refreshed the minds of our brethren on the Health Reform, and our present duty with reference to enlarging our buildings and increasing our accommodations at the Health Institute, showing that our design was not to draw out means from those who were not in circumstances to give, yet the burden of lifting in this noble enterprise did not simply rest upon the wealthy; but that inasmuch as this work was a part of the message, and benefitted all, it was general in its nature, and solicited aid even from those who were in moderate circumstances, and from enterprising young men among us, who could take at least one share; promising a reasonable dividend to the shareholders, and a special reward in the world to come for having helped in forwarding the glorious cause of the last message of mercy. The result of this effort was, that fourteen took stock in the Health Institute, amounting in all to $400, payable within one year, and within six months if possible. This speaks well for the faith of brethren in poor or moderate circumstances, living near the heart of the rebellion. We expect that other churches will come up accordingly as we pass through the State. Brethren shall our expectations be realized? Will Iowa come up nobly in this good work also?

Tuesday, the 12th, we came to Iowa City and spoke to the few in that place from these words: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke xii, 32. Wednesday morning as we awoke, we discovered that nearly all the snow had left us, and that it would not be safe to fill our appointment at Palestine. We therefore started for Pilot Grove, as this would bring us nearer the place of our next meeting; but when we reached Man’s Creek, we found it very high, covering half a mile in width; and we could go no further. And after traveling about five miles we stopped at Bro. E. Green’s, in Union, where we have been for three days. We are about to leave, hoping that our agreeable stay with Bro. and sister Green have not been in vain.

D. T. BOURDEAU.

Union, Iowa, Feb. 15, 1867.