Meetings and Conversions at Star City
By A. W. Bartlett
Star City, March 20.—About two months since, I came here, and requested the use of the Christian church, which was granted. But the Christian minister objected, and persuaded the trustees and others to revoke their decision. Therefore I was ignominiously treated, and refused the privilege of preaching even one sermon, in which I desired to vindicate my course. Great indignation was felt by many at the action of said church, and several citizens of the place waited on me and earnestly requested me to return with a tent and hold meetings. Three weeks ago I began meetings at the school-house here, which contains a large room 38x25. The room has been crowded every night, and God has stirred the people mightily by his Spirit. Twenty-five have thus far embraced the truth and begun the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. Among this number are those whose reputation for Christian love and character is untarnished. One of the wealthiest men here has determined to assist largely in the building of a commodious brick meeting-house, and several hundred dollars have already been offered toward the same. Eld. Walker, of Kokomo, came here and desired a debate, but I refused to meet him until I had preached at least three weeks, at which time I was willing to meet him. He vehemently urged an immediate debate, but I replied that the people knew nothing of the truth that I was advocating, and prejudice was so strong that I desired time to remove it by preaching the truth. But he charged me with fear, etc., and preached here nearly one week, employing his time in stigmatizing the Sabbath of the Lord, and claiming that the ten commandments were done away. He also charged me with preaching an unscriptural doctrine concerning the soul, and finally claimed that the function of thought could exist without brains, i. e., a person can think much better without than with brains. I presume he referred to a spiritual brain. His preaching against the truth aided me considerably; for I could easily make the weakness of his arguments apparent to the people, and so hold up the present truth in glorious comparison. Over one hundred were in attendance at our last Sabbath meeting, and last night the crowd was larger than ever, the house being literally packed. Eld. W. has not been heard from. This is God's work. Pray for the work here. A. W. BARTLETT.