BRO. SMITH: Our Conference commenced on the 15th inst., when we were rejoiced to see brethren and sisters from Lisbon, Mt. Vernon and other places, who came to participate with us in the feast which we enjoyed. Bro. Hull preached five discourses, principally on the law of God and the Sabbath. Public interest increased to the last, and marked attention was paid to the word; and that some were convinced of the truth of our position was evident; and our prayer is that God may give grace and strength to follow out their convictions by reverencing his holy law, and seeking the salvation that is in our Lord Jesus Christ. The brethren and sisters were also much strengthened, instructed and encouraged by the word preached. I think I speak the minds of all when I say I had no idea of the glorious harmony that exists between God's holy, just and true law and the plan of redemption. I once thought there was an antagonism between them, but that thought is dissipated forever, thank the Lord of both law and gospel! On First day, after Bro. Hull baptized three, we all met at Bro. Curtis' house to attend to the ordinances of the Lord's house, and a precious season of grace it was. We were mostly recent converts to the present truth, though some of us participated in the First Angel's Message. All present bore testimony in favor of the present truth, and then united in the commemoration of the death of our Lord, and also in the sign of humility given to us by our Saviour. Our Lord verified his promise to us in meeting with us by his comforting Spirit, and we proved the truth of his promise, Happy are ye if ye do these things. The brethren unite in expressing their desire that measures be taken to spread the light on these things in this State next season, if the Lord will. We want others to see and know the law of God, and take hold of his covenant that has been so long broken and trodden under foot. Brethren, pray for us in Iowa, that our faith fail not, and that we may press on towards the city of the living God, that we may be indeed lights in the world, showing by our daily life that we are following the Lamb, that we are in truth disciples of the meek and lowly Jesus, that we may be accepted in the Beloved in the day when God will make up his jewels. Your brother, Henry E. Carver.
Iowa City, Iowa, Oct., 1858.