IOWA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 6, 1878

Bentonsport, May 30.

Our meetings still continue with unabated interest. Twenty-four have signed the covenant to date. The Methodist minister comes to the front, and begins to review us. We shall look after him. We hope for some others who are much interested. L. McCOY.

Decatur County.

In company with Eld. G. I. Butler, commenced meetings near Davis City, May 10, and continued them till May 20. Close, practical subjects were presented by Bro. Butler, and were well received by the people. The subject of health reform was presented from a Bible stand-point. Some good persons resolved to break away from the wrong and strong habit of using tobacco.

Eight were baptized. As husband and wife, brother and sister, side by side followed their Lord to the watery grave, angels seemed to draw near; and in some cases those who are not with us in faith were affected to tears. A church of twenty members was organized. These were mostly heads of families. About $100 per year S. B. were pledged. Ten or twelve others are keeping the Sabbath, besides many others who are convinced, but halting.

Bro. Butler spoke twice in Davis City, presenting, on the last evening, the subject of spiritual gifts,—the difference on this subject between S. D. Adventists and Mormons, of whom there are many in this county. He showed that Seventh-day Adventists try spiritual gifts, and all other points of doctrine, by the Bible. But Mormons, some at least with whom I have conversed, test points of faith and Bible doctrines by what they call spiritual gifts. It is a noted fact that some of their leading men take the position and teach others that the ten commandments are abolished. Isa. 8:20 was produced as positive proof that there was “no light” in any who speak not according “to the law and to the testimony.” C. A. WASHBURN.