THE CAUSE IN KNOXVILLE, IOWA.
By M. Hull
BRO. SMITH : By request of the brethren I have just spent four days with the church in Knoxville, which has resulted to the glory of God, and the advancement of his cause. It is true that Satan is yet at work, and the fighters of God's truth are getting new allies; that the dragon's ire is waxing hotter and hotter; that he is determined to have vengeance upon the remnant of the woman's seed which keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus. But while the conflict is going on, truth is gaining the victory. The result of our last meeting was an addition of fourteen members. The Lord will bring his jewels out; and the determined hostility to the truth, upon the part of those who are determined to oppose God's holy will, only helps to forward the Lord's work; and we are brought to see the fulfillment of that scripture which says, Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder thereof shalt thou restrain. Ps. lxxvi, 10. At a business meeting on Dec. 2d, the following resolutions were adopted: 1st. Having tried the plan of systematic benevolence as adopted by the church at Battle Creek, and finding that it works well, therefore, Resolved, That we express our approval of it through the Review, and recommend it to the churches in Iowa. 2d. Believing this to be the Lord's cause, and the last message of mercy to fallen man, and having an earnest desire that others should know these truths which have made our hearts glad, therefore Resolved, That we co-operate with other churches west of the Des Moines river to purchase a tent for Western Iowa, and have it in this western field next summer. 3d. Inasmuch as Bro. M. Hull is going West this winter, therefore, Resolved, That we appoint him to solicit aid, and take subscriptions or notes with which to purchase a tent. 5th. Inasmuch as Bro. James White of Battle Creek, Michigan, is better acquainted with tents and tent operations than we are, therefore Resolved, That we appoint him to select and purchase a tent for us, when we shall have a sufficient amount pledged to cover the cost. In the evening before we parted about sixty of us assembled together at Bro. Patterson's, where about two hours were spent in self-examination and confession of sins; after which the ordinances of the Lord's house were attended to; and O! what blessings were showered down upon us. Some of us were more than full, especially while following the example of our Saviour in John xiii, 5. Truly it is good to obey the Lord. In so doing these poor earthen vessels can be filled unutterably full of glory and joy which cannot be described. 1 Pet, i, 6–8. Truly the work of the Lord is onward in the West. Praise the Lord! Brethren, pray for us. Sandyville, Dec. 6th, 1859. P. S. Many thanks to the brethren in Decatur City for a horse and buggy which they have presented to me. It did not come before I needed it. M. H.