MEETINGS IN ANAMOSA, IOWA.
By M. E. Cornell
I HAVE now given twenty-two lectures and sermons in the court-house in this place, the county seat of Jones Co., and a good work is going on. Universalists are giving up their Universalism, infidels are abandoning their infidelity, and those whose love has waxed cold are revived and begotten to a lively hope. The interest is extending into the country for several miles around. Lawyers, doctors and judges have listened from time to time, and many of them acknowledge the truthfulness of most of the positions I have taken, and especially the law and Sabbath. But I fear they will not obey what they acknowledge to be truth. Yesterday (Sunday) I gave three discourses in much pain and weakness, having during the day three hard chills, followed with fever. In the evening the house was much crowded. By being supported I walked to the house though with difficulty, being so weak. Looking to the Lord for help I spoke about an hour and a half, but was very sick and had two spells of vomiting during the time. But thank the Lord, though weak in body, yet the truth was clear and took effect. It was truly encouraging to witness so much sympathy, not only for my affliction, but also for the truth set before them. About twenty, either in public or private, declared their determination to keep the Sabbath of the Bible, and sixteen subscribed for the Review. Through the blessing of God I am fast recovering, and shall resume my lectures here on Thursday evening if the Lord will, and continue over Sabbath and first-day. By the request of many of those interested I shall go to Lisbon this afternoon after Mrs. Cornell to assist me in visiting those interested; for they desire to know all about this work. I trust that a goodly number of those interested will soon decide to obey the truth. Opposition has commenced. The Catholics are enraged, and about twenty of them gathered around the court-house one evening, but seemed to be held. Those who have heard their threats think it not safe for me to be found alone in the evening. I had been showing up their inconsistency in worshiping the virgin Mary as immaculate, and yet refusing to follow her example; for she "rested on the Sabbath according to the commandment," and then went to perform labor on the Sunday. An intelligent son of Catholic parents, in this place, was determined to renounce Catholicism and go among Protestants. But after being threatened, and cruelly whipped, and once hung up (but promising to get his mother a new dress she let him down), has suddenly disappeared, and it is understood that he has been violently dragged off to the nunnery at Dubuque. Another, a young man, was compelled to leave his work on the railroad, because of persecution from the Catholic hands, on account of his renouncing the Catholic faith. He considered his life in jeopardy. I hope that a like spirit will not be manifested in this place by many of the Protestants. I will write again and give the result of the meetings next week. Anamosa, Iowa, Feb. 6, 1860. P. S. There is a church here of deaf and dumb members, and one of them is a preacher. They are very intelligent. I gave the preacher some books. After reading on the Sabbath, he told me by signs that the argument could not be refuted. He pointed to a nail in the floor, and then motioned to pull it out with his fingers; and then compressed his lips and shook his head—it could not be done.