p. 110 | IOWA | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 4, 1878

IOWA

State Center.

Our meeting at this place has been one of great profit to the cause of God in this part of the field. We had a large attendance from Marshalltown, Nevada, and other places. The outside interest was good, especially toward the last, when our house was crowded every evening. Our meetings through the day were for the special benefit of our brethren; in the evening, for those without.

The rise, prosperity, and wants of the cause were largely dwelt upon. Sunday, Bro. Canright preached upon S. B., then we took pledges amounting to a little over $1,660 per year. Pledges for the European mission amounted to $1,558, and for new tents, $170. The pledges on the European mission and tent fund were liberal indeed; but we fear that on S. B. some did not pledge as much as they would if the Bible plan was carried out.

The most of Monday was spent in giving instruction on the way to keep our clerk and S. B. books. Many interesting items were discussed and explained. In the afternoon I baptized four who had lately received the truth. One very interesting feature of the meeting was, the number of young men present who had made up their minds to give themselves to the work of God. Eight young men of promise, who had preached but very little, if any, came to this meeting, not only with their minds made up to go and labor, but with their home affairs arranged to leave at once. If these young men all go out clothed with the armor of God, we shall expect good results in the future.

Tuesday we spent nearly all day in listening to Bro. Canright’s instruction in reference to the best method of presenting the truth. It was a day well spent. Our meeting has been a good one. The brethren have been strengthened and encouraged. We expect to see the cause move forward in Iowa.

E. W. FARNSWORTH.

March 28.

Laporte City, March 27.

I have just closed a series of meetings at this place, which have been held with good results. The attendance was not large; but we had a good hearing and excellent attention.

This is an old “battle ground,” where those who retained not “the love of the truth,” but “ran greedily after error,” “who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit,” have made a record. Amidst all these trials and persecutions, a people have been developed who have a love for the truth. But while they had contended earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, and rejoiced in it, they had forgotten “to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God,” and Satan had used his little “iron wedge” to some purpose. We brought the parties together, counseled and prayed with them; and the Lord wrought for us, and a full and complete reconciliation was made. We are happy to be able to say that they are in a condition now to labor and work for God and his truth.

Three good souls have lately embraced the truth, and are living it out. May the people of God seek to stand shoulder to shoulder in this work. We gave twenty-two discourses here; and felt the Lord a present help in time of need. We hope for some fruit by-and-by.

L. McCoy.