LABORS IN MISSOURI by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 28, 1878

LABORS IN MISSOURI.

By George I. Butler

I held meetings with the Lincoln church just a week, commencing Nov. 9. I was happy to meet quite a number from Index on the Sabbath. The Lincoln church has been the second church in the State in numbers and in financial strength, but in the past it has been greatly weakened by trials, which at one time threatened its dissolution. But things have been looking more encouraging for a year past. At one time they were in so low a state for many months as scarcely to have a prayer and social meeting. They have had these constantly of late, and quite an interesting Sabbath-school. We had an investigation of the difficulties existing; one member was disfellowshiped, and other matters were settled up. I have strong hopes that this church will see better days in the future; that others will unite with them; and that the standard of piety will be raised higher.

I met with the friends at Sedalia, Sabbath, Nov. 16. Spoke to them twice. We had a most excellent social meeting after the preaching, in which nearly all took part, many of them for the first time. The Spirit of God was present, and hearts were melted in tenderness. Surely God is good to give us an occasional oasis in this desert of toil and sorrow. There are good souls in S., who give promise of future usefulness.

I spoke three times in Green Ridge, where Bro. Wood has recently given a course of lectures. We had a full house Sunday night, and the best of attention was paid. We hope for a little church, at least, in this place; and others we trust will come in to swell their numbers.

I return to Iowa for a short time, to attend to important business matters, and to labor some at the request of the Conference Committee.

GEO. I. BUTLER.