Adel, Iowa by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 13, 1870

Adel, Iowa.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

FRIDAY, Nov. 25, self and wife again left home for Adel. I am sorry to say that this place has been sadly neglected. Neither of us had been back here since the tent left last July. This is like planting corn, and leaving it all summer without cultivation. Hence if there is any fruit, it is no thanks to us, but to God and the power of his truth. We were therefore thankful to find those who embraced the truth, fourteen in all, still holding on, keeping the Sabbath, having meetings, and apparently growing some in the work. One good sister nearly stumbled over the health reform. Having heard but little about it, of course they could not be expected to see it in the light we do. She was told, and came to believe, that it was made a test of church fellowship by us. Very naturally she did not feel like being compelled in this manner to do what she could see no reason in. It is very sad, indeed, that such impressions should be given by any one. We tried to relieve her mind by setting it in its proper light before her. We are confident that she will now feel better, and take hold again.

We had some very good meetings with the friends, trying to prepare them for baptism, organization, &c. Several of them have their tobacco-using to overcome. This they are now trying to do. We pray God they may succeed. Organized Systematic Benevolence, which amounts to $85.80. Spoke three times in the court-house, to a goodly number. As many came out as did when the tent was here—more I was told than any other church in town could get out. We found several still interested and inquiring. Some we have strong hopes of. They seem almost decided now to obey. We feel it duty to return there soon, and hold meetings for a couple of weeks. On the whole, we feel encouraged about Adel.

D. M. CANRIGHT.