Iowa Field Report: Encouraging Meetings at Pilot Grove and Marion
By George I. Butler
Since my last report I have been laboring in the cause when able to do so, but was confined at home nearly a month with a bad cough. As soon as able, I started northward through the State, filling appointments made through the REVIEW. Our first meeting on this trip, at Pilot Grove, was a most encouraging one. Brethren came in from Sigourney, Richland, Washington, and other places, so that it seemed much like old times, when our large gatherings took place there yearly. We knew that many members of the church had moved away, and were therefore happily surprised to see so many of our old friends together. The Lord gave freedom in speaking the word, while calling the attention of all to the nearness of the end, and what our characters must be to be in readiness for that event. Our social-meeting, Sabbath afternoon, was one of the best I ever attended. It was very long, simply because no place could be found where to stop it. The testimonies were heart-felt, and showed that self-examination was at work, and that the Holy Spirit witnessed to it. Our meetings on Sunday were well attended by outsiders. We had well-filled houses. All the friends expressed themselves as well paid for their trouble. At Marion, also, the following Sabbath and Sunday, we had an excellent meeting. I knew that a large proportion were gone to other parts, or soon going, and expected a small meeting, but was very happily disappointed in a good turn-out. Our meeting was an encouraging one to all concerned. Monday, a church meeting was held to consider some matters that had caused great perplexity in the church, in the conduct of some members. We hope a satisfactory result was reached. The moving fever has threatened to break up the churches in that quarter entirely, and it may result in this yet. We were sorry Bro. Mitchell was not able to be with us, and that for some time, at least, it looks as if he would be kept at home and be unable to attend meetings in other places. His aged father has need of constant care and attendance, and duty seems to require of Bro. M. to give this. Feb. 13 and 14, was at Laporte City. The attendance from abroad was comparatively small. The Lord blessed in the preaching and gave freedom. But the social meetings were dry and uninteresting. I became satisfied the cause of this was, that there was no real union in the body of the church; little confidence in one another; and the causes had been at work a long time. I decided to have an investigation, and sift the matter to the bottom. Monday, and part of the night following, was spent in this, and it revealed a state of things that showed sufficient grounds why the Spirit of the Lord did not run in our midst. The final result was, that four members were set aside till they could either come to a union of feeling, or develop till the church could take either or all of them back with safety to itself. It seems clear to my mind that a disturbing element in the church which will not permit union and love to prevail, ought to be put out for the safety of the body. One of the most important things to the prosperity of every church is union and harmony. Where the contrary prevails, there is “confusion and every evil work.” Sometimes there are individuals who seem to be in their natural element when trouble and strife prevail, and when one trial is hushed up, after long and anxious labor, they are in fine condition to enter upon another. In such cases common sense teaches it would be for the well-being of the church, and also that of the individual, for such to stand out awhile. “Let us have peace.” I felt that Monday’s meeting had been the most profitable of any of the series. Our evening meeting in Fayette, Wednesday, was well attended. The Congregationalists courteously permitted us to occupy their church. Our meetings at Waukon last Sabbath and Sunday are just closed. Some of experience have said, “It was the best meeting we ever enjoyed in Waukon.” The interest was excellent from the commencement to the close. The Lord helped in the preaching, and our prayer and social meetings were most excellent. The melting Spirit of the Lord softened hearts, and encouraged us all. Truly the Lord is very good to us even in our great unworthiness. It was sad to think of this church formerly over forty strong, now less than twenty. Their empty places, with those of others sleeping in the grave, was saddening. But none of these so far as I have known have given up the truth; but they are scattered in Kansas, and Nebraska, and other places. Yet we had about the largest meeting we ever had in the place, so many came in from abroad. Two loads came over from Wisconsin with whom we were glad to meet. Others, from West Union and Fayette. We were much gratified by the presence among us of Mr. Sanborn, of Fayette, for years mathematical professor in the college there. He is a prominent member of the Methodist church. Of late he has been reading some of our books, and desiring to know more of us, came here forty miles, partially to attend this meeting. He stayed until the close, although not intending to at first. He took part with us in our social and family worship, and declared himself much pleased, and spiritually benefited by the privilege. He gained a large place in our affections by his candor and Christian deportment. Although we have no idea he intends to change his religious views, yet we trust what he has heard may awaken thoughts that will cause his mind to change on some points. But his course is in such marked contrast with that of most of the orthodox world that we feel it is worth mentioning. We were also happy to form the acquaintance of Bro. Thompson, a licensed member of the Wisconsin Conference, but at present principal of the school at Monona, Iowa. He thinks Monona would be a good opening for presenting the truth. And this brings me to one of the most embarrassing and painful of my personal experiences, to be obliged to refuse the many earnest calls of labor in all directions because of other duties. I verily believe that Iowa could find fair fields for labor for every minister we have in the whole field. The truth has yet but touched a few points here and there. The great body of the State is untouched, and cries are coming up in all directions, “Come over and help us.” But the action of the General Conference would imply that but little could be done at present to meet these wants. Oh! how earnest should be the cry to the Lord of the harvest to raise up more laborers to gather it. Every friend of the cause should engage in it till such are raised up; and that our hearts may be converted from the love of the world to the love of precious souls for whom Christ died, until we shall make the salvation of such of more importance than amassing wealth for the flames to devour. I have been gratified on this trip in reference to arrearages on our periodicals. In nearly all cases I have found a determination to pay up. Money is very close, but all seem willing to do what they can, and I have left generally a clean list behind me. I earnestly wish that all our brethren may do likewise, so that the recent exhibition of our indebtedness in the REVIEW, so disgraceful to us, may not always represent our standing on the Office books. I have been much encouraged personally since leaving home, by God’s goodness to me in bestowing his Spirit upon me. I never have felt greater trust in the Lord. In the midst of manifold perplexities he has seemed near and precious. I mean to trust him. Surely his mercies are great to all who call upon him in truth. Waukon, Iowa, Jan. 23, 1872.