WESTERN TOUR by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 5, 1860

WESTERN TOUR.

By James White

At Tipton we took a large addition to a cold we then had, and by the time we reached Iowa City, we were unfit for labor. We had to give up Millersburg and remain with the kind friends in the City over Sabbath. First-day we spoke in the Universalist church to a few. The brethren are firm in the faith, but there can be but little done at present in that community. The course pursued by some, who instead of getting into the Spirit of the message, have a fault-finding spirit, has had a bad influence. One of them has left the Sabbath which is no small relief to the brethren. We received the kindest attention from Brn. Curtis, Carver, Graham, and their families, with whom we tarried nearly two weeks. We much regret our inability to labor, and do them good, but hope our protracted visit with them will do them no harm, if it does them no good. The brethren at Iowa City pledged $67 for the Tent.

At Dayton we held one meeting on the Sabbath, and two on First-day in a school-house about sixteen feet by twenty. To say that the house was "crammed" would not express the true condition of things. About twice as many people came as could find seats in the house. Some had to stay out in the cold wind. But as many crowded inside the door as could get in. When we went to the place on First-day it was with some difficulty that Mrs. W. and self could find our way to the small desk. And from real necessity she sat in the desk with me, as there was scarcely a square foot of room besides in the house. After expelling from the desk a large dog, there was just room in the desk for us. The windows were raised on one side of the house so that those outside could hear. We spoke one hour and three-fourths, and Mrs. W. finished out the two hours, and our audience, packed in the house and out of it, seemed to forget their position and listened with all that interest and patience as if occupying cushioned pews in a spacious church.

One thing is certain, the people came and stayed to hear, for there was nothing attractive or comfortable in the place of meeting. We hope to reach Knoxville appointments, but to do it, we must ride two or three days in the cold, chilling prairie winds, which is enough to unfit any human being for public speaking for several days. But sick or well, wearied or rested, it will be expected that a man will preach. And those changes from a crowded school house with heated air to the chilling prairie winds, afford the greatest liability of getting colds and retaining them that we ever experienced.

But the ears of this people are open to hear the truth, and it must be preached to them. Meeting-houses are few and small in this country, and many of them are closed against the truth, and against the wishes of the people generally. Therefore Tents must run in this Western field. In new places congregations are very large, the interest great, and the success in raising churches is better than in any other field at present.

We have ever felt a deep interest for the West, and being on the ground and seeing for ourself, our interest increases. Here is a glorious chance for the Lord's stewards to invest some of their Lord's money. A more full report we can give after the Knoxville meeting. It is possible that we shall not be able to attend the Conferences in Wisconsin. We will not disappoint if we can prevent. If the Lord favors us with health we shall undoubtedly meet the brethren at Cadiz and Mackford, Wisconsin.

The brethren in Eastern Iowa think they must have a Tent, and are pledging nobly. Here are some men that have the "go through" in them, and if others will not help, they will double the amount of their pledges. God will bless the persevering efforts of such, and the cause, with such faithfulness, will prosper in the hands of his servants. J. W.