Knoxville, Iowa by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 31, 1871

Knoxville, Iowa.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

JAN. 10 and 11, myself and wife rode sixty miles from Winterset to Knoxville. The weather was fine, and the roads the best I ever saw. Bro. Stiffler furnished us with a good team, and we enjoyed our ride very much. Stopped over night at Bro. Hodges’, in Sandyville. Then came on to Knoxville to be ready for the meeting. Thursday and Friday it stormed considerably and turned cold; yet we had a good delegation of brethren from the surrounding churches, there being over eighty Sabbath-keepers present.

Sabbath evening, we spoke to them on the progress of the work and the condition of the cause around us. There were not as many of the Knoxville church out that evening as we wished to see. Sabbath morning, at half past 9 o’clock, had a very good social meeting, though the brethren from other places did most of the work in it.

Several of this church did not get in till nearly noon, thus losing a good share of the meeting. This should not be so. Every one should be on hand to commence with the meeting. These seasons are important. We hope there will be a reform in this direction.

In the afternoon, we attempted to have a social meeting; but everything was dark and dead. It was very manifest that the church was not in a condition for the Lord to come in and bless us. We felt sad to find such a state of things. In the evening, we pointed out what we thought were some of the difficulties in the way—what was lacking and what was wanting. The Lord seemed to direct, and hearts were moved. After preaching, some good confessions were made, and it seemed lighter. Sunday morning, we had another social meeting. The spirit of confession and contrition came into our meeting at the very start. All were deeply moved, and every heart seemed to be touched. Tears flowed freely. Every moment was occupied, and we felt God’s Spirit powerfully at work among us. It was a solemn place. It was good to be there. After most of the brethren and sisters had spoken, several strong men and women rose up and made a start to serve God. Some of these had long been the subject of prayers and hopes. Words could not express our feelings to thus see them take their stand. Backsliders came forward with weeping and confession. For this we thanked the Lord. In short we had a most solemn, interesting, and affecting meeting. We thank God, and take courage.

Bro. Morrison was present, but not able to preach. I tried to preach three times first-day, but was so tired and worn that I could not do it with much energy or effect. I sold about $20 worth of books, and obtained some $30 on the REVIEW and Instructor, with several new subscribers.

Monday morning, the brethren and sisters from abroad returned home; but we staid another day to follow up the work here. Years in the past this church has been very unfortunate in the labors bestowed upon it, having had the full benefit of the labors of such men as Hull, Shortridge, Snook, and Brinkerhoff. Coldness, jealousies, and a lack of love, gradually came into the church, and shut out the Spirit of God, and left them in a very sad condition. They have had but little labor for a long time. Indeed they have been neglected too long. Now that the Lord had commenced to work for them, we thought best to follow it up. So Monday afternoon, at half past one, the whole church came together. After plainly stating the case, and all the difficulties as we understood them to exist, we gave opportunity for any one to make confession, who felt that they ought to. We did not propose to hunt up and bring out the difficulties, and make them confess, but let every one, in the fear of God, tend to his own case. The brethren and sisters all took up the case where it was left the day before, and many heartfelt and touching confessions were made. Wives confessed to their husbands, husbands to their wives, parents to their children, and brethren and sisters to each other. Old difficulties were removed, and solemn vows were made for the future.

Four hours were spent in this manner. We trust and believe that the work was wrought by the Spirit of God, and that it will be effectual. There had been a lack of sympathy for, and support of, their elder, Bro. Benn Auten, in his many burdens and duties. This had discouraged him very much; but at this meeting he was unanimously assured of their choice, of their support, and their prayers. May it not be in vain. The Bible-class and Sabbath-school were started again. There we left them. On the whole, we feel greatly encouraged with regard to this church, and think we have reason to believe that better days are before them. To the Lord be all the praise.

The next monthly meeting will be at State Center. D. M. Canright.