p. 69 | REPORT FROM IOWA by George Ide Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 23, 1869

REPORT FROM IOWA.

By George Ide Butler

My last report left me at Pilot Grove, Jan. 1. Since that time my labors have been with our churches in the northern part of the State, holding from six to ten meetings weekly. We had six meetings with the Pilot Grove church besides a communion season. The meetings were solemn and heart-searching. Confessions were made with tears. There was a general attendance of the church, and also from Washington. I was glad to see more than the usual number of outsiders in, such as do not generally frequent our meetings. These gave good attention, and it seems not too much to hope some will fall in love with the truth, and embrace it. This is the largest church of our people in the State, and there are hopeful signs that it may still further increase if the members walk in the light. Our communion season was a solemn one. The melting Spirit of the Lord was present. Since leaving there we hear good tidings that the work is still onward.

Jan. 5, met with the scattered few at Iowa City in the evening. We had a private room as full as could well be seated, and good attention was given. The friends here, most of whom are sisters, seem still determined to hold on, and make an effort to go through. They do not have many chances to attend meetings, and many of their circumstances seem discouraging. They appeared very thankful for the privilege of hearing the word spoken.

Sabbath and Sunday, Jan. 9 and 10, attended meetings at Lisbon. There was a general attendance of the three churches of Lisbon, Marion, and Anamosa. We had five meetings, in which we trust some good was done. Our object was not to preach to tickle the ear, but to bring out those things that would search the heart and cause us to examine ourselves closely in view of the word of the Lord. While some seemed deeply affected, and gave evidence of its effect being lasting, it was with sorrow that I observed others apparently as careless a little while after the meeting as before. I am constrained to admit that there is quite a large class being developed among us upon whom the most searching, cutting truths scarcely take a perceptible effect. They attend the meetings, but seem not to be made better by them. They hear things that would once have caused the deepest seriousness when they first embraced the truth, but now they have no feeling. What can be done to arouse this class, and cause them to see themselves as God sees them? May the Lord help us to be faithful.

Monday following the meeting, we made a sled upon which we loaded our wagon and so went forward prepared for all weather.

At Marion, I met with nearly two rooms' full of interested listeners, on the evening of Jan. 12. One or two loads came from Lisbon, 14 miles, and quite a number were in who do not believe with us. The brethren at Marion very much need a house of worship. Many others would come in and meet with them if their meetings were not held in private houses. There seem to be omens of good at Marion in spite of the difficulties in the past. The brethren are seriously contemplating the building of a house of worship, but they are not numerous nor wealthy, and the effort required will be great.

Met with the church at Laporte City, Jan. 16, 17, and held seven meetings. There was a good attendance from abroad of scattered brethren, among whom were Bro. William White, formerly of Northern New York, and Weatherwax, of Olcott, N. Y. The latter joined the Laporte City church. We are always glad to meet these scattered brethren who do not have the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith

very often. Their interest in the cause of present truth seemed good. Our meetings were solemn and spiritual.

This church also needs a house of worship very much, and some are thinking seriously of building one. I believe the time has come that good might be done in Laporte City had our brethren a meeting-house, and could a course of lectures be given in it. Could the house be built the lectures should be forthcoming.

As an item which might be of interest to some of our people I would say, Eld. Wm. H. Brinkerhoof, who formerly labored in this cause as a minister, but who has lately opposed us to some extent, has resumed the practice of law. He resides in this place. He has given up preaching, for the present, at least.

In the evening of Jan. 19, spoke to the few in Fayette. On account of the appointment not being generally known, and a free lecture upon Phrenology being given that evening, there was a slim attendance. There are eight or nine Sabbath-keepers here who feel very much disappointed that another course of lectures cannot be given them at present. The work has never seemed to be completed in Fayette, and probably good could be done if a thorough effort could be made. I hope that time may yet arrive.

I reached home, Jan. 20, after an absence of nearly seven months. Stayed in Waukon two weeks, and held in that time thirteen meetings, and should have held three more, but the weather being so very stormy it was thought unadvisable. This church is probably ahead of any in the State in experience. They have heard much truth in the past, but with some I fear it has not had a "savor of life unto life." Coldness and apathy are observable in a portion of the members. I was rejoiced, however, to see a breaking down before the Lord on the part of some far on the background. Oh! I hope it will be lasting. I feel greatly attached to the members of this church with whom I have spent so many years of my life. And I tried to labor for their good with earnestness, hoping if we are not permitted to enjoy each other's society much in this world, we may in the better one to come.

There were encouraging omens in some who have been wandering in darkness for a time; some reason to hope they were getting into the true pathway, which caused me much gratitude. How good the Lord is to us all to have patience with us in our blindness. Truly he is merciful and compassionate.

While at home I disposed of my farm. I think it probable I shall locate further south so as to be more centrally situated. My family remains at Waukon till May or June. I hope to be able to do more good in some other locality, as Waukon is situated entirely away from the majority of our churches. It is quite a sacrifice, however, to part with old friends, and run the chances of locating in a land of strangers. May the Lord direct to that place where most good can be done.

Feb. 4, reached Elgin, and spoke to quite a fair-sized audience upon the signs of the times. They gave good attention. The truth has been presented here partially years ago, and there is a strong desire to hear further upon it. It is one of those places where I have intended to labor as soon as I could get any spare time. But when there are calls in every direction, many more than one can fill, the prospect for labor there does not seem brilliant. Truly the harvest is great, but the laborers few.

Feb. 6 and 7, I met with the brethren and sisters at West Union. The friends were also up from Elgin and Fayette. We had very solemn meetings, the Lord giving some freedom in speaking the word. Our meetings closed with much solemnity. Tears filled many eyes. May its effects be lasting is my prayer.

On the whole I feel encouraged by my labors during the past five or six weeks. While I see a great work to do I have some evidence that the Lord is willing to help the weakest and most unworthy of those who will give their whole energies to the discharge of their duties. This we can do if we will. All of us can do this. It is reasonable that we should do it, prompted by the principles of love, when so much has been done for us. We are only required to use the talents God has given us. Only responsible for those. I feel like giving the few I possess wholly to him.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Laporte City, Iowa, Feb. 9, 1869.