Grove Meeting at Soldier Valley, Iowa.
By H. Nicola
This meeting convened Oct. 7, 1875. It was mainly composed of our brethren and sisters living in the extreme western part of Iowa and a few from Nebraska. Our friends in Nebraska are much scattered, and the most of them live at so great a distance that it is not convenient for them to attend a meeting here, much less our general meetings, which are held from a hundred to a hundred and fifty miles farther east. We hope the time may soon come that the friends of the cause in this new and enterprising State will become numerous enough to support a Conference of their own, so that important meetings may be held in their midst. God is blessing the faithful labors of Bro. C. L. Boyd, who has been in this field for a considerable length of time, and if those who are entering this field, and the friends who are already in it, will heartily co-operate, a separate Conference may soon be organized. Our people in Western Iowa are much scattered. But few of them have church privileges. Many of them have embraced the truth by reading, consequently this meeting, which has just closed, was one of necessity, and was highly appreciated by all who were so fortunate as to be able to attend it. There were about one hundred in constant attendance, many of them having come from thirty to one hundred miles. Nearly all camped on the ground, there being six or seven small tents pitched, besides the large one, which made ample room for all. The meeting was conducted much as our camp-meetings are. Good order was observed. Ten discourses were given with a good degree of freedom. Judging from the feeling manifested in the prayer and social meetings, much of the melting Spirit of the Lord was present. There was a united effort in seeking God. Sabbath afternoon, backsliders and sinners were invited forward for prayers. Thirty-three responded, many of whom came forward for the first time. The Saviour came very near and made this a most precious season, and evidences were given that the love of God was newly shed abroad in some hearts. First-day afternoon, after a discourse upon the subject of baptism, by Bro. Boyd, twenty-two followed their Lord in this solemn ordinance. The Missionary work received some attention. Twelve joined the Society, a few dollars were donated, and a good supply of reading matter was distributed to the members for circulation. Meeting closed Monday morning. All felt that they had gained much by this privilege. May the Lord help these dear friends to carry out the solemn resolutions which were here formed, and may those who labor in this part of the Conference have the fear of God before them and possess wisdom, that the precious cause of God may not be marred by any rash or injudicious move. H. NICOLA.