LABOR IN IOWA by D. T. Bourdeau

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

LABOR IN IOWA.

By D. T. Bourdeau

ANOTHER thaw, accompanied with a sudden rise of streams again, making the roads almost impassable, together with the exhaustion caused by our past jaunt on our way to this place, prevented us from filling our appointment at Osceola; for which we feel sorry, as we have ever made it a rule to come up to our promises, even if it should be at the sacrifice of precious strength.

But we are glad to hear that the few in Osceola are holding on; and we feel safe in saying that if they persevere and let their light shine, they will be helped in due time. God, who numbers even the hairs of our heads, will take cognizance of them, and meet with them according to his promise, and open the way for the truth to be preached in their vicinity, if it is a good field of labor. Better wait until a thorough effort can be made, even though it should be made at a late hour, than to hurry up the work in our anxiety, and hinder the cause by a lack of thoroughness in the effort. But we trust our time has not been lost to the cause for not going to Osceola. We spent last Sabbath and first-day with the church in this place, and found that though they had made improvements in laboring for the children and youth, as well as in forgetting past trials, yet there was a great work to be done for all, and especially for those who had not enjoyed the benefits of past labors in this place, because of indifference in the work of the Lord, and who were consequently on the back ground.

Last Sabbath we labored for the children and youth, with the assurance that a rich harvest of the dear and tender lambs will be realized when the parents take another step in advance by drawing near the Lord and taking hold of the soul-work with a fervency which is in keeping with our profession. There must be a greater earnestness in this work. The salvation of souls must be uppermost in our minds. Then shall we see a greater work accomplished for the children. But how can we labor for others, while we are indifferent to our own eternal interests?

We discovered that there was still a lack of punctuality on the part of some in attending meetings on time, which was, perhaps, owing in part, to the state of the roads; yet there was need of faithful reproof on this point, which we endeavored to administer, showing, among other things, how beautifully order and punctuality were displayed by the Creator, in his works, his laws, with which he governs the material universe, and in the fulfillment of his promises to man. God never falters, swerves, or delays one moment in these things. He is always on time. Look at the revolution of the earth around its axis, once in twenty-four hours, and around the sun once a year. Look at the sun and moon and all the worlds on high. What punctuality they display. And how faithfully God fulfills his prophecies, so that we can depend upon him always. Truly his example is worthy of imitation; and we cannot be said to be the children of God, neither can we expect to be successful and thorough in overcoming, while neglecting punctuality in attending meetings; for wrong habits in this direction must necessarily produce slackness in the performance of other duties that we owe to God and our fellow men.

We told the people that they would find us on time; and that we would commence our meetings at our usual hour, at half past ten, and not at eleven or twelve, whether they were present or not, and we are happy to say that our remarks had their designed effect; for the next day we found the people on hand at the appointed time. How much better this is than to burden the preacher, by giving him a chance to speak but once, while he ought to speak twice, or by depriving him of the privilege of speaking to all who should hear, if he commences on time.

On first-day, we spoke an hour and a half on the tongue, and in the course of our remarks showed how much evil can arise from manifesting false sympathy, even to preachers, who have been labored with for their good and improvement. The only way to help such, is to hold the principles to which their attention has been called as sacred, that they may improve upon them. To pursue an opposite course would be to encourage in them that which must be overcome, in order that they may be saved from ruin. Many have been ruined by this unwise course, who might have improved, and have been of service in the cause. Those principles appeared to be appreciated by all.

We have good brethren and sisters here, who mean to move along with the body. Light breaks in and our burdens are lightened as we discharge our duties. We intend to visit and hold meetings through the week and close our labors here next first-day. We find we have none too much time to do our work in.

Brethren, pray for us. D. T. BOURDEAU. Sandyville, Iowa, March 4, 1867.