MEETINGS IN LA PORTE, IND.
By Joseph Bates
Bro. Smith:—I stated in my last that our meetings commenced here the 2nd. inst. We gave seven lectures in the Hall before it was wanted for other kinds of meetings, since which we have been holding meetings in private houses. A few have come out decidedly for the truth, and some others are persuaded to unite with us, but are yet held back by unholy influences. The 10th inst. (First day) eight were baptized. One Bro. as he was going to be buried with Christ said, I have lived forty-seven years and have heard all kinds of preaching but I never heard the truth until now. In the evening we attended to the ordinances of the Lord's house, and were much strengthened and encouraged. One Bro. while telling his simple story about the way, said, When Bro. (George) Smith came here some little while ago, and wanted some one to go with him, he came and found me and showed me the truth, and then he found another, and still others. A sister then spoke and said, Sr. Place came after me again and again, she would come and read the books and the papers and the Bible to me, and I was unwilling to believe. But now I bless God she ever came to give me the light I now see. O Lord, inspire Brn. and Srs. in other places to go and do likewise. Bro. Smith has bought and circulated many books and papers in this vicinity. This should be done wherever our Brn. have the means to do with, that the light may spread throughout the wide harvest field. Soon they will be richly rewarded for all their labors of love. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." By invitation I have appointed to hold a series of meetings on Stillwill Prairie, ten miles south of this, after which I expect to return here and hold more meetings and baptize others who are about ready to go forward. O Lord, still lead thy people onward to the coming crisis. Joseph Bates. La Porte, Ind., Jan. 14th, 1858.