THE CAUSE IN KNOXVILLE, IOWA.
By E. S. Walker
Bro. Smith : Having always read the communications in the Review of brethren and sisters from abroad with great interest, and thinking that a few words might interest or encourage some, I have concluded to drop you a few lines to let you know how we are getting along in the far west. Following the proclamation of the truth here, we have found the doctrine taught by our Lord in the parable of the sower, verified in all its bearings, and although some have grown weary in well doing, and have been overcome by the cares and pleasures of this life, so that we have been compelled to withdraw ourselves from them, yet the cause of present truth is onward here, and we thank God that some have brought forth abundant fruit. Our brother Inglefield left this morning with Bro. Hull to assist in proclaiming the third angel's message, and there are quite a number of good brethren and sisters whose hearts are thoroughly in the work. May the Lord give sustaining grace. On last Sabbath our town was visited by a company of the Devil's itinerants, traveling in the character of a circus; and in order to escape from their annoyance and from the effects of their presence, we concluded to leave town and meet in a pure atmosphere, under the broad canopy of heaven, where there would be none to annoy or disturb us. We accordingly met our sister churches from Pleasantville and Rosseau in Bro. Long's grove, about three miles from town. Bro. Hull was with us and delivered two discourses during the day, and we had truly a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, his Spirit being poured out abundantly upon us, and we were made to rejoice in hearing the word expounded unto us, in the beauty and harmony that we now see in the word of God. At the end of the second discourse we repaired to the water (only a few rods distant), where thirteen precious souls were buried with their Lord in baptism, having we humbly trust, previously died to sin. Thirty-seven in all have been baptized here since Mr. Pressley's effort to "cast the truth to the ground" in Knoxville. This but confirms us more and more that we have the truth, and that the God of truth is with us, and that he who is for us is more than all they who are against us. At a business meeting on first-day the following business was transacted. Resolved, That we take the necessary steps immediately to purchase or build a house of worship in Knoxville, and that a committee of five be appointed to arrange the necessary preliminaries, and get things into such a shape that active operations can be commenced immediately. After which the following preamble and resolution was drawn up and passed: Whereas the church at Fairfield have expressed a desire to have Bro. Hull remove to that place after the present tent season is over, therefore Resolved, That notwithstanding we would like to have Bro. Hull remain with us, yet in view of the wants of a new church, and for the good of the cause, we are willing to deny ourselves the pleasure we might derive from having him with us, and are willing that he should go to Fairfield; and we cordially recommend him to the brethren and sisters of Fairfield and vicinity as an efficient laborer and a mighty instrument in the hands of God for the pulling down of the strong holds of the enemy, hoping and trusting that he may be as successful in combatting and overthrowing error there, as he has been in Knoxville. Knoxville, Iowa, June 20, 1860.