REPORT FROM IOWA by M. E. Cornell; Geo. I. Butler

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 14, 1868

REPORT FROM IOWA.

By M. E. Cornell; Geo. I. Butler

Since our last report we have continued to labor as well as we could, considering the hindrances in our way, for the good of souls in this community. But the exceeding heat and the arrival of harvest have been drawbacks in the way somewhat. So we have not had meetings all the evenings through the week. Those in the country were very anxious to attend and hear all the lectures, and it seemed impossible to come in after toiling all day in the harvest field. The harvest is a very heavy one, and the weather has been showery, so that we have been delayed longer than we expected. But our meetings, when held, have been well attended, and the interest has not subsided. At the earnest request of many, we have concluded to give the second course of lectures, commencing next Friday.

During this week we have omitted the lectures in the tent, and had prayer and conference meetings, night and morning, in the Baptist meeting-house. They have no minister here, and they have kindly permitted us to use their house for this purpose. Last night, some thirty expressed a determination, by vote, to go forward with us in obedience to the truth and make a new start in religion, quite a number of them non-professors. This morning some sixteen spoke. Our object in these meetings is not merely to bring people to a theory of the truth, but to have the work deep and abiding—the heart converted as well as the head. The interest is encouraging. An old settler said in one of the meetings, that he attended the first meeting ever held on this prairie, and now he was at the last, and never had he seen such a religious interest here before. Our devotional meetings are increasing in interest, and we hope much good will arise from them to others and ourselves. We feel the need of more of the power.

The enemy is very much enraged here. Reports of every conceivable kind are abroad in the community. All the denominations that have ministers stationed here are against us, doing all they can to impede the cause of truth; and yet it moves on, and will move on, to final victory. Satan presses in his darkness upon us, and we do not feel all that liberty we desire; but we are struggling hard for it, and expect by the grace of God to get it. When Satan works so hard, we are sure he is afraid of losing his subjects; therefore we are encouraged to labor on.

How the battle will turn, we cannot tell; but shall put our trust in the living God, and do what we can. Pray for us.

M. E. CORNELL, GEO. I. BUTLER.

Brighton, July 27, 1868.