Western Iowa by J. W. McWilliams

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 1, 1875

Western Iowa.

By J. W. McWilliams

I am now at Crescent City, near Council Bluffs, Iowa, preaching to a congregation composed of Mormons, Methodists, the Hope of Israel party, Morrisites, spiritualists, and others. The Lord has blessed the truth spoken in weakness to the good of many souls, and some have decided to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and prepare for the soon coming of the Saviour.

I spoke on the subject of spiritualism last Sunday afternoon. At night, when I entered the house, I saw the following written in large letters on the blackboard: “Spiritualism is gone up; Mormonism, dead; and the Adventism good. Stand from under.”

I have met with the Danish church, in this vicinity, organized by Bro. John Hanson. They are a good people, and have a good understanding of present truth. They seem to be more in earnest than some of our own people, and I know that they are more punctual in the transaction of business matters than some of our churches with which I am acquainted.

I called on the friends and brethren at Missouri Valley on my way to this place, and found some of them holding on to the truth. They have to stem the tide of opposition, which is strong. I presented the subject of Systematic Benevolence to them for the first time, and they subscribed about $20.00. I left them somewhat encouraged. I do not know where Bro. Bartlett is. I have not seen him for two months. Hope that he is laboring somewhere. There are many calls for labor in the vicinity of our tent labors.

I ask an interest in the prayers of the brethren. J. W. McWILLIAMS.

Crescent City, Iowa, Dec. 3, 1874.