p. 110 | J. H. MORRISON by J. H. Morrison

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 18, 1873

J. H. MORRISON

By J. H. Morrison

Iowa.

After meeting with Brn. Butler and others, at Hooks Point, Nov. 12, I returned home, in company with Bro. Mitchell, where we commenced a series of meetings, continuing about four weeks, giving in all twenty-six discourses. Sometimes we had a good turn-out; at other times not so good, as the weather was bad and teams were sick with epizootic. Two good families, after due deliberation, took their stand for the Lord and his downtrodden truth. We believe it will yet take root and prosper, if we are only faithful in all our ways.

On New Year's day, I left our home for Afton, Union Co., Iowa, where a few scattered brethren have been holding on for a long time under the most discouraging circumstances. I commenced meeting south of this place in Bro. Syp's neighborhood, where I remained nearly four weeks. Had a good interest to hear, but the weather was so bad that it broke us up once or twice every week, as it is very thinly settled, the people having to come from three to five miles. Consequently, the cold and storms were very much against us here, as was also distemper among the horses. I then went to the county seat (Afton), where I remained three weeks. The first night, four or five of their ministers were present, which seemed to inspire them with new zeal, so much so that they commenced to pay their flocks short visits to warn them against the approaching enemy. In a few days, their churches were illumined with light (that is lamp light), and the sad monotony broken by the ringing of bells.

With all their efforts, it was said we had our share of the people. The most of the time, we had the house full of attentive hearers. We took a vote near the close, when nearly all decided that they believed it. At the last meeting, thirty-two, including those who were keeping the Sabbath, covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. One of these was a minister of the old Christian order. May the Lord help him to be firm and faithful!

One of the leading men of the place, a merchant, manifested great interest to hear, also to have others, so much so that he proposed to pay for the books for those who were not able to pay, which he did cheerfully. A good number are still interested who have never been interested in religion before.

The Lord help these upright, independent souls to take their stand before it is too late. About twenty have taken their stand this winter during my labors. Calls come in from all directions, but I am unable to fill them now, as my health is so much impaired. I gave in these two places sixty-one discourses. I am now at home, where I shall remain awhile before returning. I hope to have the prayers of God's people, and shall try to cut loose from the world, and throw myself into the hands of God who will bear me up.

J. H. MORRISON

Schonberg, Iowa, March 2, 1873.