Untitled article by D. T. Bourdeau; Geo. I. Butler

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · September 17, 1867

REPORT FROM IOWA.

By D. T. Bourdeau; Geo. I. Butler

Our last report brought us to the review of Mr. Anderson on the Sabbath question. It became evident soon after its conclusion that our audiences were not to be so large as before, and one member of the Methodist society stated that their members had been warned away from the tent. From this time onward it became more and more evident that false reports and ridiculous stories were to be among the weapons used to keep away those who did desire to hear and learn more of the doctrines put forth in the tent.

We continued to preach upon subjects connected with the Sabbath question through the following week till Sunday evening, when we introduced the views of our people upon the state of the dead. It caused much feeling among our hearers. In the first discourse we were interrupted five or six times, and one old gentleman went so far as to get up and show his determination of having his points answered at once; but we calmed him down at last, and finished the discourse. We gave five discourses on this part of the truth, which made a good impression upon some in the community, and we trust will, with the blessing of God, have a good influence.

We have tried not to shun to declare the whole truth, and have raised the standard higher than it has been in some instances in this State where great crowds have come among us only to leave us again when the straight truths of the third angel’s message were brought to bear upon them, causing discouragement to some who were trying to live. So much has this been the case, that in several instances churches of thirty to sixty members, when they first came out, have been in a few months reduced to a dozen, or have even totally disappeared. Part of this should, no doubt, be credited to a lack of judicious labor afterward, to instruct and build up; but much of it is owing to the fact that the gates have been opened so wide that many came in who never would had the truth been brought closer home. This in the long run is the best way. Better have a dozen good, faithful men and women brought into the truth, knowing what they are about, and loving the pure truth of God’s word, than fifty of a mixed multitude who come in with a rush, because the current sets for the time being in that direction; and many of whom, as soon as the excitement dies away, will draw away, causing a feeling of despondency upon those who remain.

We cannot tell how many will come out as the result of our labors in Fayette. A half dozen have already commenced keeping the Sabbath, and as many more seem to be very favorable, while many more are interested and hardly know what to do. These we trust are reliable people, not led by excitement, but who have taken this step calmly and in the fear of God. May the Lord help them to move out in the whole truth.

August 26, we started for Waukon. Wednesday evening, we met the church, and after some appropriate remarks by Bro. Bourdeau, proceeded to the election of an elder. Bro. C. A. Washburn was unanimously selected by the church to fill this important office, and was set apart by the laying on of hands. We felt that the Spirit of the Lord was present to sanction this important step. Thursday we started again for Fayette, and held meetings there over Sabbath and Sunday, and closed our labors there by baptizing three from the West Union church. We then took down the tent, and closed up our labors in that place for the present, having given in all over forty discourses. Hope to return there again after the Convocation Meeting, and see what interest there may be in these precious truths.

Monday, Sept. 2, started for Laporte City, where we arrived the following morning. Had meetings that evening, and the following day, and attended to the ordinances of the Lord’s house, the first time they were ever celebrated in this church. As we humbled ourselves before the Lord, we felt his blessing especially present, for which we would praise his holy name.

This little church have passed through some very heavy trials in the past. A large church came out here at first, and many fell off, which of course caused discouragement, until within a few years a great effort has been made to alienate their minds from the testimonies, and cause them to lose their hold upon the body. But, thank God, a little band still hold on, and will, we trust, till the Master shall call them away from all their sorrows and trials. We believe better times are before the little band at Laporte City, if they will hold fast to the whole truth and be alive in the work of God. May God help and strengthen them.

D. T. BOURDEAU, GEO. I. BUTLER.

Marion, Iowa, Sept. 6, 1867.