Nebraska and Iowa by R. M. Kilgore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 10, 1875

Nebraska and Iowa.

By R. M. Kilgore

MAY 1, I met Bro. Boyd at Hooper, where we held meetings two days. Here it was anticipated that an organization would be perfected; but the low spiritual condition of those who should be props for the weak to lean upon, and “helps?” in the church, was such that this step was not advisable. If our brethren who have for twenty years believed the truths of the third angel’s message do not hold up the standard and come up to it themselves, how can it be hoped that others who have lately embraced the truth will rise above them in the scale of reform, or attain to a higher-toned spirituality? If tea, coffee, pork, and other hurtful articles, can be indulged in occasionally as “luxuries,” by those who profess to be looking for the return of the Master, then I fail to comprehend the character of the work in which we are engaged, and that of the people who make so high a profession. Slackness upon this point of present truth is indicative of the same respecting the whole of it; thus eternal life is endangered and the blood of souls is found upon the skirts of the garments.

At this meeting three were baptized and five united with the Decatur church. We hope the time may soon come when the little company there may enjoy all the blessings and privileges of the Lord’s house.

At Ceresco, the brethren were not in a condition to organize, but there was a good, healthy interest to hear from without, and effectual labor in the future will doubtless result in adding a number to the believers, when an organization can doubtless be perfected.

May 12-19, at Stromsburg and Pleasant Home, seven miles apart, we had a good meeting. The believers at these places were united together and now form the Pleasant Home church, numbering nineteen members. Eleven of these were baptized, and twelve others are keeping the Sabbath, and have signed the covenant. When the plan of Systematic Benevolence was presented to them, they were anxious to adopt it, while we questioned its practicability on account of their destitute condition, caused by the desolating grasshoppers.

May 21-23, at Smithland, Iowa, where Bro. Bartlett held meetings last winter. Here we organized a church of eleven members. On S. B. these and others signed liberally. Several others are keeping the Sabbath here, and we hope will soon be united fully with the church.

May 29-30, met with the church at Victor, where we enjoyed a sweet season. The Lord met with us. Six were baptized and added to the church. Systematic Benevolence was raised from $111.00 to $188.00.

To-day I return to the camp-ground, having spent but one Sabbath at home since last June. R. M. KILGORE. June 1, 1875.