COMMUNICATIONS by Joseph Bates

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 29, 1856

COMMUNICATIONS.

By Joseph Bates

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."

From Bro. Bates.

BRO. SMITH:—On the 24th of April we gave a course of lectures on present truth, at a school-house in Pony Hollow, Clayton Co., Iowa. We were invited to call here by Brn. W. and H. Bates, who had recently removed here from Northern Illinois. Several of our hearers became much interested and seemed desirous to know our position. One gentleman who was much prejudiced against religious meetings as he had learned them, and had not attended with any of the sects for a long time, ventured out three times. In conversation with Bro. Bates afterwards, he said, Mr. A. and wife, and Mrs. W., about one mile from here are keeping the Sabbath. Bro. B. asked if they had been out to the meetings. No, said he, but the news of the meeting has spread like wild-fire. I never saw such an excitement in this place before. The ground here is occupied by the Methodists. Their minister requested his flock to keep away from us and have no conversation with us whatever. One of the neighbors remarked if they had got a religion that would not bear to be investigated by the Bible, they had better keep away! Two of their members however declared for the truth, but we learn they meet with much opposition. Others are investigating.

May 1st reached Wawkon, Allamakee Co. Here we were heartily welcomed by our old and tried Brn. and sisters Andrews and Stevens, who had so recently removed from Paris, Me. The two families together number twelve Sabbath-keepers. As they lived remote from the village or school-house, the way was not open for a public meeting during our short stay with them. We spent a peaceful, quiet and happy Sabbath with them. Here they expect to remain until they are called away to their great "reward in heaven." The health of Bro. J. N. Andrews has improved some since he came West. He hopes to become strong enough soon to labor in the harvest field. The Lord strengthen him up for this important service.

On our way to Wawkon we stopped for the night in the village of Rossville. We inquired if the inhabitants wished to hear on the subject of the prophecies. At the ringing of the village bell, quite a company came to their place for worship, and listened quite attentively during the evening. After the meeting closed, one of the villagers arose and made a very short speech unfavorable to our subject, and closed with saying he had hoped that they had got out of the reach of "Millerism." We referred him to proof that we had been giving them from Bible and historical facts, that the enunciation of the second coming of Christ had already been proclaimed to "them that dwell upon the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people." And if the people nick-named it Millerism, it could in no way alter the prophecy, or have it given over again. Hence the pressing necessity to get ready. While on the road, we fell in with many families moving North to Minnesota. We sent some of our publications there for distribution. Lord, set home the truth!

We have just closed a course of five lectures in Farmersburg, Clayton Co., which commenced the 9th inst. Three of them in the meeting-house. Some laughed and scoffed, while some acknowledged the truth, and said they would keep the Sabbath. Two subscribed for the Review, and furnished themselves with books. Notwithstanding an opposing spirit that was manifested by some of the thoughtless, yet it was evident that many listened with deep interest.

We came to Elkader the 11th inst., to attend two more meetings which closes this evening. From hence we leave on the 14th for Jo Daviess Co., Ill., to give a series of lectures, from the 16th to the 18th. From thence, the Lord will, meet with the brethren in Conference at Battle Creek, Mich., 23d inst.

JOSEPH BATES. Elkader, Clayton Co., Iowa, May 14th, 1856.