Letter from Bro. Dorcas.
By Jesse Dorcas
BRO. SMITH: Dear Brother:—I take this opportunity to say that I am still in Iowa, searching for the scattered flock. I find many things that are anything but desirable. I find settling here and there in these almost boundless prairies, families who are about as destitute of correct religious instructions and doctrines, as they are of timber. But it is heart-cheering to find some who still have a mind that has not been so overloaded with prejudice, but that it may be balanced so that they are willing to consider the truths of the Third Angel's Message patiently. It might possibly be interesting to you to know something of my present tour, but I think it is not best to multiply words. I have spent two Sabbaths in this State, one with Bro. David Christopher and family, where I was very kindly entertained, indeed. The other with Bro. Westbrook and his kind family and family relations, some forty miles west of Iowa City. We had quite an interesting time here during the Sabbath and First-day. I had finished my business in the West, and started eastward, had found my way to Newton, where on Sixth-day about 11 o'clock I took passage in the stage for Iowa City, paid my way through with the provision of staying over the Sabbath. So when the holy day began to draw near, I stepped out of the coach and ran before (while they watered and drove slowly up a long hill) to inquire for a lodging, but could obtain none at the next house, had to go on to another house, where I determined to stay at some rate, and travel no farther. By entreaty I obtained permission to remain till morning, but was not allowed to remain during the day. Was directed to call on a local minister, where I desired permission to remain over the Sabbath, but was denied the privilege unless I would keep Sunday. To this I of course would not consent, unless he would allow me to attend the Sunday School and improve the time in giving some light upon the Third Angel's Message. To this he would not consent; so I was compelled to go to the next door, in which neighborhood I still am. Here, thank the Lord, I find friends of truth and free investigation, who, notwithstanding the opposition of two local ministers of the place, arranged matters, and so nobly held their course, that we had the privilege of giving two discourses on First-day, to as attentive congregations as we have ever met with. May the Lord bless those dear, attentive people with a mind to know and do his will. I might have given you a sketch of my visit, and happy sojourn among the brethren north of Round Grove, Ill.; where I spent the first Sabbath after leaving the dear saints at Battle Creek, Mich. I am encouraged to hope, notwithstanding this cleaning up is a slow and unpopular work, that it will result in the gleaning out of the sects all the wheat, or the Lord's people, in just time enough to be saved. O brethren, let us be up. The harvest is great and the laborers are few. Also on the evening of the 17th, had a very interesting meeting at Millersburg. Was requested to tarry longer. The field here is truly destitute of laborers. Iowa, June 16th, 1856. JESSE DORCAS.