WESTERN IOWA by J. W. McWilliams

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 17, 1876

WESTERN IOWA.

By J. W. McWilliams

When the grove-meeting closed, I stored the large tent away, and then made the necessary preparations for leaving my family for the winter. This being done, I went to Dowville, in Crawford Co., Iowa, and delivered a course of lectures. The interest at that place was not good. The Methodists held a private meeting and advised their members not to attend ours, which advice they religiously followed. Some were convinced of the truth of the Sabbath, but they are among the “Latter-day Saints,” and are waiting for a “revelation” from their prophet commanding them to keep it.

While there, I received an invitation from a first-day Adventist to lecture in a country place, five miles distant. I went there, and held meetings. The interest was good, and I believe, by the blessing of God, much good will be the result. Many are convinced of the truth, and some have already decided to obey God rather than man, among whom are the first-day Adventist and his wife. Others are in the “valley of decision.” We trust and pray that the way may come out on the side of truth.

I am now at home, on account of my lungs, which seem to be affected. I have many calls to labor which I cannot fill. Truly the harvest is great but the laborers are few. We pray that the Lord of the harvest may send forth more laborers, that all the sheaves may be safely garnered.

J. W. McWILLIAMS.

Soldier Valley, Iowa, Feb. 3, 1876.