WESTERN TOUR by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 12, 1860

WESTERN TOUR.

By James White

We reached Knoxville March 28th, a distance of eighty-five miles from Dayton. We had a good covered carriage, and performed the journey very comfortably. The 29th we accompanied Bro. M. Hull to Bro. Brinkerhoof's meeting about eight miles from Knoxville, and found Bro. B. in a discussion. He was speaking as we came to the house. One of his opponents (for he had two) soon rose to speak, and it was evident that he was very nearly used up. He said he was not very well posted, used only a part of his time, had a bad headache, and sat down. Bro. B. spoke a short time in an affectionate manner, and exhorted the people to investigate Bible truth, and dismissed the assembly, leaving the people with a good impression on their minds. Bro. Hull visited the place April 3d, and baptized twelve.

Just before we reached Knoxville the cry of "Mormons," was raised against us, and a strange enthusiasm seemed to seize some of the people in the place, as if inspired by Satan. Some talked of tar and feathers, and some of our friends even feared that we might be ill treated. It was said that Mrs. W. should not speak in Knoxville. But all that we witnessed of any account was a sort of hellish grin on the countenances of some, which disappeared after we had each talked a few times in the old court-house. Before we left we were treated with respect both in the place of meeting and when meeting the citizens in the streets. We can excuse the people who are deceived and imposed upon, but not those ministers who raise the cry, "Mormons" to keep the people from hearing us.

But the people cannot be kept away. The house was packed full on the Sabbath. The windows were taken out to relieve the people inside, the speaker not excepted, and to give those outside a good chance to hear, who gave the scene the appearance of a bee-hive in a warm summer day. The Disciples had four ministers on the ground, and had the use of the Baptist church for several meetings; but the people would crowd around the old court-house to hear us. The opposers are evidently overdoing the matter, and all things are working for the good of the cause. O, if the church will keep humble and walk carefully, and stand boldly for the truth, God will still work for them, and make them a strong people.

The church at Knoxville number about one hundred. And there were probably fifty brethren and sisters present from other places. And nearly all of these have embraced the Sabbath within the last eight months. As we witnessed the interest of this body of dear people, and heard their decided, sweet testimonies in social meetings, we were led to look back and call up the feelings we had for the West about a year since when Bro. Waggoner wrote to us that he thought the Tent could not be* bought and supported in Iowa that season. The Lord had put within us a cry for the West, and the thought of having the work stop in Iowa for want of means was distressing. We therefore plead for a Tent in Iowa, advanced the pay for it, and money to help on the enterprise. The reports of success with the Iowa Tent cheered the hearts of eastern brethren, and when we took our eastern tour last autumn we found them ready to cast into the missionary treasury to the amount of $600. With a portion of this we have received pay for money advanced, and there is something left in the treasury. Be assured, dear reader, that as these events of the past year came up in memory at the old court-house in Knoxville, Marion Co., Iowa, while some of the fruits of the past year's labor were seen in those crowded around us, and we heard the testimonies of those whose minds had been enlightened, and their hearts softened by the present truth, and witnessed their deep interest and their tears, we also felt most deeply, and wept tears of joy. And how we wished all these dear eastern brethren present to see, hear and feel on the occasion, who had dropped money into the missionary treasury, from the poor widow's half-dollar to the wealthy brother's one hundred. Blessed be God! There is a divine reality in the third message which will open the hearts and purses of God's people, and there is sweet satisfaction and strong consolation for those who put their hands to the work of helping it forward, but the eternal reward for so doing we will not attempt to describe.

The brethren in Western Iowa had pledged near $300, to be paid by the first of April. We stated in a business meeting that $1000 should be raised in the State to purchase the two tents, and run them this tent season, and if the brethren wished to pledge again they could have the year 1860 to pay the second pledge, and immediately their pledges swelled to near $500. Others will wish to do likewise, so that pledges in Western Iowa may amount to $800. The few friends in Eastern Iowa have already pledged about $250. Others who have lately become interested in the truth will have a chance to do their part.

We spoke seven times in four days, with some freedom. Mrs. W. spoke in exhortation as many times with freedom. Brethren Snook and Brinkerhoof were set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by the laying on of hands. It was a season of deep interest. We formed a happy acquaintance with these dear brethren, and pray that the blessing of heaven may attend them on their mission of love to perishing sinners, which will be attended with many hardships and privations. Our attachment for the dear friends we met at Knoxville is strong. O Lord, guide them in the path of truth and holiness.

April 4th, Bro. Auten helped us on our way to Ottumwa, with his good carriage and horses, where we took the cars the 5th for home, and in twenty-three hours we were taken over the road, nearly five hundred

miles, where we found our dear children and friends well.

We were sorry to disappoint the friends in Wisconsin; but as our time was limited, and no provisions made, to our knowledge, to get us from the cars to the place of meeting, we decided that it was not duty to make the effort to visit Wisconsin at present. J. W.