REPORT FROM INDIANA by J. H. W.

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 7, 1859

REPORT FROM INDIANA.

By J. H. W.

ON Fifth-day, 17th inst., I left Bro. Hull to finish up our meetings in Marshall Co. and went to North Liberty, St. Joseph Co. I found Bro. Harvey strong in the faith, and in daily expectation of the arrival of Bro. Loughborough. I commenced holding meetings in the school-house on Sabbath evening, and continued every evening for a week. There had been so many lectures given there by different brethren at different times, that the prospect was a dull one; but the attendance was good, and I hope good may result. One more fully resolved to keep the Sabbath, and others are thoroughly convinced, and I have hope of some of them. Bro. Harvey is going all that he can to place the truth before his friends and acquaintances in that section of the country, but in North Liberty the prejudice and opposition is strong. The M. E. minister attended one evening, and, I was told, expressed a desire to hear all the lectures but his appointments forbade. After Bro. Loughborough was there about a year ago, the church voted to close the meeting-house against preachers of our views; and it appeared singular to see the members of the same church sit from one and a half to two hours on the rude, uncomfortable seats of the old school-house, to hear what they would not allow to be preached in their house. Whether they feared these doctrines would harm their church building more than their church members, I cannot tell.

On First-day, 20th, I went about six miles north and held one meeting. There was a strong desire to hear, in that neighborhood. On the 21st, Bro. Hull arrived, reporting success as good as we anticipated in Marshall Co. It was deemed advisable for him to go into the north neighborhood, while I continued in Liberty. When I last heard from him he was having the school-house crowded with anxious listeners.

By request I came to La Porte last Sixth-day. The church were in a dull, lukewarm state; but the testimony of the Word was gladly received, and all appear to feel cheered and encouraged.

Spiritualism has a strong hold in this place, and the truth, of course, will be unpopular. There was once quite an interest amongst the foreigners, especially the Swedes, on the Third Angel's Message; but the sound went forth, and the Lutherans from other places rallied and built a house of worship in their midst, to oppose it. Who can tell the consequences of their blind zeal?

We, as a people, must be more determined and persevering in our efforts to build up the truth and oppose error. Our opponents often present examples of faithfulness and zeal to accomplish the purposes of the enemy that we should do well to consider. "Who is a faithful and wise steward?" May the Lord enable us to "give all diligence" that we "may be partakers with them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." J. H. W.

La Porte, Ind., March 25th.