GEO. I. BUTLER by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 27, 1872

GEO. I. BUTLER

By George I. Butler

Iowa.

My last report closed with my Waukon meeting. I should have remained several weeks in the northern part of the State and given lectures at some favorable point had it not been for the pressure of General Conference matters. These made it necessary for me to return south at once. There are good openings apparently in the northern part of the State for labor, and as a section, it has had very little of it for the last four years.

I held meetings at West Union, Jan. 27 and 28. The weather was very cold and stormy, yet we had very good congregations considering the circumstances. I trust our meetings were profitable. It was deemed best for the good of the cause here that an individual, claiming to be a S. D. Adventist, who lived at this place and made himself quite prominent in the meetings, though not a member of the church, and who had much to say about miracles and mighty works which he claimed had been wrought through him years ago, should understand that the church had no confidence in him. This of course was most unpleasant to all concerned; but his course had been such that the church almost unanimously felt a lack of confidence, and it was thought best that he himself should understand it. I held meetings at Fayette, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with fair congregations.

Feb. 3 and 4, I was at Laporte City. Our meetings were excellent. It seemed to me that the spiritual atmosphere had very much cleared up since our long church trial, when I held meetings on my way north, in which four were set out of the church. And all spoke of the good meetings they had while I had been gone. The four who had been set out of the church all took part in our social meetings, and some of them it seemed to me with far greater earnestness than ever before. I was much gratified that they took a sensible view of the matter, and I do really hope this may be the beginning of better days. I never had so much hope for the prosperity of the church there as I have now. I am sure all the church will rejoice to receive every one of them back when it shall become evident that it will be safe for the church and a benefit to the individuals to do so. I enjoyed the meetings there well, and we were all truly sad at parting. May God bless the church at Laporte City.

I met with the friends at State Center according to appointment, and held nine meetings. Very few were here from abroad, yet our meetings were well attended by outsiders, the school-house being generally well filled. The Dunkard people had been speaking against us on the law question. I gave two discourses on that subject in reply.

My meeting here coming at the time of the appointed fast, of course our minds were much directed to that object. Our meetings were not joyous, but heart-searching seasons of humiliation before God. I do trust the Lord of the harvest has heard the cries of his people, and that faithful laborers will be found to take hold of the work in earnest. I believe God will answer this prayer of his people, and that we shall see a change for the better this very year. On Monday, we had a special meeting with the church which I trust will be of great profit.

I expect soon to be able to attend to the call of the General Conference and meet with the friends in the East. I feel in need of the prayers of God's people, that I stumble not beneath the burdens placed upon me.

GEO. I. BUTLER

Lisbon, Iowa, Feb. 14, 1872.