MEETINGS IN THE WEST by Moses Hull

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 1, 1860

MEETINGS IN THE WEST.

By Moses Hull

As the brethren may have a desire to know what we are doing in Iowa, I will give a brief history of my western meetings.

I arrived at Decatur City Jan. 5th, in time for my appointment. I found things in as good a situation as could be expected, although some of the brethren had almost become weary in well doing. I was disappointed in not meeting Bro. Brinkerhoof, but was rejoiced to meet Brn. Morrison and Cooper from Missouri. Bro. M. preached one discourse on the law to good acceptance. I tried to preach several times on practical Christianity, and gave a series of lectures on the three messages, which resulted in stirring up the brethren to a redoubling of their energies in the cause of the Lord, and gave us an addition in numbers. To the Lord be all the praise!

A discourse was preached upon our duties in view of the speedy approach of the day of the Lord, and a day was set apart as a day of fasting and prayer, upon which Bro. A. B. Hamner was ordained to take care of the flock. Many who belonged to no church became very much interested in the truth, and are now investigating. Some books were taken, but not so many as would have been, could the people have raised the money. There is no money to be had there. Even those who have raised crops cannot sell them for money. There were $87,50 subscribed for the western Iowa tent. I left Decatur City on the 12th inst., regretting that I could not tarry with the church another week.

When I arrived at Afton I regretted to learn that the church had not grown in spirituality as fast as other churches had. This is partly owing to sickness, which prevented their having meetings so often as they otherwise would. But the strait testimony was received by nearly all, and the brethren covenanted together anew to give up all for God. Praise the Lord! May he help them to pay their vows to the Most High. When we went to Afton last summer we found that pride had got the upper hand of some of the sisters. The straight testimony seemed to have its effect, and we thought pride was dug up by the roots; but in some instances, the branches, only, were lopped off, while the roots were left, and by the time of my return, they had begun to grow and bring forth fruit in the shape of superfluities, such as jewelry, little bunches of artificials on the back of their heads for bonnets, hoops, fine, thin, worthless shoes, &c. I found it necessary to deal plainly with such, as they were not only setting a bad example before the world, but showed that their hearts were not in the work as they should be, but were full of pride. The testimony was received and good was done. "Judson's letter" was circulated and read.

I gave one lecture on spiritual gifts, which had its effect. The brethren all received it, and I think will profit by it. The brethren subscribed $18 for the western Iowa tent. Upon the whole, I think that the meetings at Afton were timely, and resulted in the advancement of the Lord's cause. Some decided at this meeting to turn their feet from the transgression of God's holy law.

Bro. Brinkerhoof accompanied me from Afton to my other appointment. This was very acceptable, as I was worn down by excessive labor.

At Bro. Decker's we found the church in a better condition than at Afton. The word of God had free course there, and the result was that the brethren were greatly encouraged, and the Lord gave us four others to go with us to the kingdom. We left the church there, we think, in a good condition. The brethren subscribed $32,90 for the western Iowa tent.

At OceoLa Bro. Brinkerhoof spoke once, and I twice. On account of a great Methodist revival which was going on there, our congregations were not as large as they otherwise would have been. But the interest was good. The people were anxious that we should stay longer, but under the circumstances we could not consistently do so. Our tent-meeting there has had a better influence than we anticipated at its close. The foundation is laid for a great work. May the Lord speed the right.

At Bro. Jones' our meetings were attended with good results. We lectured day and night for nearly two weeks, during which time the brethren were greatly strengthened, and the Lord added to us such as should be saved. Twelve were baptized at that meeting.

Two Campbellite ministers (Elds. Roberts and Polly) concluded that they would show that somehow or other in this dispensation are released from the obligation to obey God's law, but in the attempt showed their own weakness, and what miserable evasions and subterfuges men will resort to, to make out their case. Their effort failed to convince one that Christ came "to destroy the law and the prophets." How weak the strongest man is when he undertakes to fight against God. At this place $16,50 were pledged to the western tent.

Here Bro. Brinkerhoof and I parted, he to return to Afton, and I to Knoxville. The water being high and the ice running in the streams, we could not reach our other appointments.

At Knoxville I found the church all right. Up to this writing the brethren here have subscribed $94. We have great reason to be thankful. The cause is onward in this State. In all there have already been $248,90 subscribed for the western Iowa tent.

Brethren in Iowa, let us be faithful and keep humble so that the Lord can work through us. God has

committed the most sacred truths to our trust. Let us live them out. As long as we are faithful to our trust the Lord will work with us. M. HULL. Knoxville, Iowa.