Report of Meetings, &c by Henry E. Carver

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 3, 1859

Report of Meetings, &c.

By Henry E. Carver

ThE brethren from the vicinity of Mt. Vernon, also Bro. Jesse Dorcas of Red Oak, and Bro. Graham of Washington Co. met with us at Iowa City on Sabbath and First-day, Feb. 13th and 14th. We had a very profitable and encouraging time. I believe there were none present who were not strengthened and encouraged to press on for the prize of our high calling. In one instance our arch enemy endeavored to gain an advantage over us, but by the grace of God was foiled. We had but one public meeting on Sunday afternoon, when Bro. Dorcas spoke to a goodly number who came together at short notice. It was nearly noon on Monday before the brethren and sisters could part and start for home.

After the Sabbath was past, the brethren met in conference and took into consideration the subject of a tent for Iowa, and the result was the conference subscribed the amount of eighty-five dollars to be paid as early as possible during the coming tent season. The subscribing brethren are as follows:

Bro. Jesse Dorcas, — $25.00

Samuel Everett, — 5.00
B. F. Curtis, — 5.00
Graham, — 5.00
H. E. Carver, — 15.00
R. Tyson, — 10.00
L. Adams, — 5.00
S. Adams, — 15.00

The arrangements for the payment of the above are as follows: Bro. B. F. Curtis was chosen treasurer for the brethren in this vicinity. Those living at a distance will communicate directly with Elder James White, who it was understood would purchase the tent on the above conditions, i. e., that the brethren in Iowa pay their subscriptions during the tent season.

Bro. Graham was requested to present the matter to the brethren with whom he labors, and receive their free-will offerings, or pledges.

It was recommended that the brethren in this State generally should state to Bro. White about what they can do to purchase a tent for their State. Let us all do what we can, and if more means is raised than is needful to purchase a tent, the balance could be profitably used in furnishing books for the brethren who will labor with the tent.

We have sent for Bro. Hall, and as Brn. Waggoner and Hall were the first to come to Iowa with a tent, we feel a preference for them, but we pray that the Lord of the harvest will send by whom HE will send.

May the Lord direct our hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. And this is the love of God that we keep his commandments.

By request of the conference. Your brother in Christ. Henry E. Carver.

Iowa City, Feb. 16th, 1859.

Note.—The above report is cheering; nevertheless one item in it throws on us an unexpected burden. We have never proposed to furnish a tent for Iowa on any conditions. We anxiously watch every opportunity to stand in the gap, and serve the cause when and where we can; but in order for us to procure a tent, we should have to get it on trust, (which would probably increase the cost 20 per cent) unless some brother or brethren will let us have the use of the money till the brethren in Iowa fulfill their pledges.

The friends in Iowa are as yet few, and money extremely scarce. It would probably be next to impossible for them to immediately raise the cash for a tent. We hope they will send in their pledges immediately, and if enough be pledged to sustain the enterprise, they shall have the tent some way. We have been greatly disappointed in expected means to use in advancing the cause; but we shall still venture on, and trust in God to be sustained.

To those brethren who have money out at seven or ten per cent, we would say, here is a chance to put it out for higher and holier interest. Please let us hear from some of you. James White.