TENT MEETING AT AFTON, IOWA by M. E. Cornell; M. Hull

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 18, 1859

TENT MEETING AT AFTON, IOWA.

By M. E. Cornell; M. Hull

The attendance at this meeting was not as large as usual, it being in harvest time, yet the result was encouraging. Our expectations were more than realized every way. Truly the Lord is in the work, and gives power to his truth. We feel more than ever like trusting wholly in the Lord. O for more of his Spirit to help us preach the truth. There is no other might nor power that can ever give success to this message.

The church in the vicinity of this place were much revived, and several added to their number. Last second-day P. M., eight were buried with Christ by baptism. The affectionate greetings and tearful eyes of these new-born children were good evidence of a new life begun.

Last first-day about thirty manifested by rising, their determination to keep all the commandments. In the evening we remarked that it was no more than fair that the congregation should have a chance to vote on the other side, and requested all who believed the Sunday was of divine appointment to rise, and only one stood up. We then requested every one to rise up that knew of any text of scripture showing the obligation of the first day, and not one arose. The course of the ministers of the place was very fox-like, and was duly shown up by a discourse from Eze. xiii, 4, 5.

Since writing the above, four more have been baptized. The truth seems to be getting a deep hold of some, and we desire that the work may be thorough with all that profess to believe. On the whole, we feel well satisfied with the result of this meeting, for the truth had free course, and is a savor of life or death. If the mass obey not, yet are we clear, and therefore we faint not. The multitude believed not at the first Advent, but they were condemned by the light set before them. Our next meeting will be in Osceola, Clark Co. We desire the prayers of the churches.

M. E. CORNELL. M. HULL.