GEO. I. BUTLER by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 28, 1871

GEO. I. BUTLER

By George I. Butler

Iowa.

It has been over two months since my last report. During this time I have been busy laboring in different places for the cause, but with no great apparent results.

I held meetings near Fayette some three weeks in a school-house. We could obtain no suitable place in town without paying an exorbitant rent.

I hoped to strengthen the few there who were keeping the Sabbath, and possibly reach some others. I was unexpectedly called away to the General Conference, but hope a few more will go forward in obedience to God’s commandments. I spent three weeks at the General Conference, profitably, I hope, to myself. I labored also at Waukon on my return, I trust with profit to the church. During the last few months the church has passed through discouragements. The typhoid fever has greatly prevailed. Some valuable members have been called away, and quite a number have removed. These things left a depressing influence on those who remained. But we had some spiritual meetings, and nearly all felt refreshed. I held meetings also in Laporte City on my way south, which I trust were profitable. The church here are united, and in the best condition spiritually, I think, they have ever been since my acquaintance with them. A marked improvement is manifest within the last four years, and yet there is room for improvement. They are quite anxious for the Northern Iowa camp-meeting to be held there. A tolerably fair grove was selected on Bro. King’s farm, about three miles from the village. This was the best we could do. The friends have long been anxious for a general meeting, and the presence of Bro. and sister White to remove some of the bitter prejudice against them. They think if the meeting could be followed up by lectures, good could be accomplished. They are scattering tracts and seem to be in earnest to do their part to make the meeting a success. Perhaps there is no place in the State where the presence of Bro. and sister White would do more good.

Last Sabbath and Sunday met with the friends at Lisbon. The going was awful, and the attendance from the other churches small. But our meetings were spiritual and encouraging. My courage in the good cause is increasing more and more. I mean to labor on and do what I can.

GEO. I. BUTLER

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, March 20, 1871.