p. 6 | Report from Winterset by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 20, 1870

Report from Winterset.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Thursday, Dec. 1, we returned to Winterset, after an absence of about two months. Put up at the good home of Bro. Koon. We were sorry, but not surprised, to learn that some had given up the work of the Lord, and turned back to the world. Quite a number have moved away, and some appear to be halting between two opinions; so we found plenty of work to do in strengthening the ones that remain, and instructing them more thoroughly in the message. We find most of them willing, ready, and thankful, to learn what it takes to prepare for the coming of Christ. We enjoyed a good, free meeting with them on Sabbath and first-day.

We organized Systematic Benevolence to the amount of $106. We also laid before them the subject of organization. All heartily indorsed it; and we commenced with those who were prepared to enter into it, fourteen in number. Others were not yet prepared. Some had not been baptized; some still belonged to other churches, and others lived a good way off, and were not present, &c. We shall look after these, and gather them in as fast as is consistent.

There are some outside who are interested, in several of whom we feel a deep interest, and for whom we have much hope. The following week we spent almost entirely in hard study and writing.

Sixth-day evening, Dec. 10, began our monthly meeting. The weather was fine, and the roads as good as they have been in a long time. A goodly delegation of our brethren and sisters came in from Adel, Sandyville, Osceola, Afton, and other places. Bro. and Sr. Nicola, from Pilot Grove, were also present, to cheer us by their encouraging words. The brethren and sisters here, enjoyed the privilege of caring for those who came. Sabbath morning, we had a most excellent and sweet season in our social meeting. The Spirit of the Lord came into our midst, and many hearts were touched. We thank the Lord that our meeting commenced so well. Sabbath afternoon, we laid the subject of the ordinances before the brethren and sisters. These, of course, were new to those who had lately embraced the truth; but we chose this occasion to introduce them, because we had so many of our older brethren present to help us. It was a very solemn and impressive occasion; and we believe it did much good.

First-day morning, we again had a very solemn, searching, social meeting. All took part, and seemed to feel the sacredness of this holy work. After the sermon, we went two miles to the river, where six were baptized, making, in all, fifteen that I have baptized here. First-day afternoon, I tried to give them an idea of the wants of the cause, and how to take hold in the different branches; the spirit of sacrifice we should have, &c. This message calls for workers, and for the spirit of sacrifice from both old and young. The times are hard. Most of our brethren are young in the cause, and not many of them are wealthy; and they have already had a number of calls for contributions to start the work here. They are also expecting to build a meeting-house both at Winterset and Adel; yet we wish them to have some part in all branches of this work. We expect they will.

We were especially rejoiced for the good work that was accomplished for several of our dear friends from Adel. Our prayers follow them, that they may have strength to carry out the good resolutions here formed.

First-day evening, we enjoyed good freedom in talking on 2 Pet. 3. This is a most beautiful chapter, on several important subjects. As the time came for our meeting to close, it really seemed hard to part with these dear friends. All expressed themselves as greatly encouraged and strengthened in the work of the Lord. It was thought best to have such meetings as these quite often in this section. We are sure that they do great good.

To-morrow, we go to Peru, nine miles southeast of Winterset, to commence a course of lectures. We ask the prayers of God's people. Our post-office address will be Winterset, the same as before.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Winterset, Dec. 12, 1870.