Iowa Church Meetings at Knoxville and Woodburn
By H. Nicol
By request, I met with the Knoxville church and commenced meetings Feb. 8, and continued until the 18th, holding in all thirteen meetings. As these meetings have been reported by Bro. Auten, I will only add that I have reason to hope that there will be fruit in the kingdom of God as a result of them. From here, in company with Bro. Benn Auten, went to Woodburn, and met with a few, Sabbath, the 22d. As the weather was very cold and stormy, there were but few present, so we improved the time for about three days visiting from house to house, ascertaining, as far as possible, the spiritual condition of each member. To this kind of labor, Bro. A. is especially adapted. His labors were greatly blessed to the good of others, and his help much appreciated by me. We found this church in rather a critical condition. A number of the members of the church are continuing right along in the use of pork, tea, coffee, and tobacco, the same as when the truth found them, though these were all convinced to a greater or less degree of the sinfulness of indulging in these hurtful habits when the truth was presented on these points by Bro. Butler and others. But they failed, in not making a personal application of these things to their own cases, and obtaining the victory over these idols at once, hence, the longer they continued in this course, the more their sensibilities became blunted, and the less their consciences condemned them, until they absolutely made themselves believe that they were doing right, and even tried to justify their course by the word of God. In this way, they were exerting an influence over others that had gotten the victory over these stimulants and had made a good start in reform. Some had gone back to these things, others were thinking of doing so, and there was quite a spirit of rebellion, the majority of the church being much prejudiced against health reform. Under these discouraging circumstances, our meetings commenced, Feb. 25, and continued to March 4. We held, in all, ten meetings, continuing our private labors all the time we had between meetings. God greatly blessed our efforts until we had the happy privilege of hearing these dear friends renounce their idols and take their position with God’s people on the principles of reform. The backslidden were reclaimed, and one made a start, for the first time, to serve the Lord. At our last meeting, Bro. Jacob Shively was set apart as their elder by prayer and laying on of hands. This was truly a solemn and impressive occasion, and I believe this church is more closely united in Christian love and affection than ever before. On our way to Peru, we had an evening meeting with the Osceola church. Gave a short discourse on Systematic Benevolence, then organized it to the amount of $240.00 per year. There are others to join, who were not present, who will raise it to nearly $300. This is doing nobly for this young church. At Peru, March 8 and 9, we met friends from Adel, Winterset, Osceola, and Decatur. Had good freedom in talking plain, practical truths to these dear friends, and hope good was done. One was received into the church. Missionary work received a share of attention at each of the above-named places. In this part of the work we are very deficient, and confess ourselves unable to put the plan adopted by us into successful operation, and we sincerely hope we may soon be favored with the labors of Bro. Haskell, to especially help us in this department of the work. On our way home, we called on Bro. Harvey Morrison, who had just returned from his field of labor and is very busy trying to shape his affairs so as to give himself freely to the ministry without being entangled with home matters. This encouraged us much. Had a meeting with the church at Coloma, and assisted them in business matters of a peculiar character, in which our help was much needed. Sabbath, March 15, held two meetings at Knoxville. The last one was a communion season, the first meeting of the kind this church has enjoyed for six or seven years. They have not been in a fit condition to engage in these solemn ordinances, and now that difficulties are all settled, sins and backslidings confessed and wrongs righted as far as discovered, there is a degree of union that has not existed for years, perhaps never before. In this state of things how appropriate are the ordinances of the Lord’s house! How blessed it is to live so as to enjoy these seasons frequently. This meeting will be long remembered. H. NICOL.