MEETINGS IN VINTON, IOWA.
By B. F. Snook
I have just closed a meeting here, lasting from Thursday to Sunday night. The weather has been very unfavorable. We have had so much rain that many could not attend our meetings who would have rejoiced to be there. However, we had a good meeting. The Lord was with us. The brethren were much strengthened and encouraged. All who attended were much interested. Bless the Lord for doing a good work here! for raising up a good, warm-hearted people to show forth his praises by living out the great principles of holiness which he designs shall ever characterize his people. My heart was rejoiced to meet there, strange faces but kindred hearts. It seemed somewhat lonely to be here without my fellow-laborer, Bro. Cornell. I have amused myself some by viewing the places of our former resort and pleasant walks. But I missed him, and soon the fond thought comes to my mind, that we will if faithful, enjoy many a pleasant walk together in more beautiful bowers than here, and behold more beautiful scenes than this earth now affords. There is much opposition here. The priests have been busy since the tent was here, trying to create all the prejudice they possibly can. They know that their craft is in danger; that as the light of truth shines, their honest members will leave them and serve God instead of serving the pope. Babylon is filling fast with everything hateful and abominable. But her destruction hastens. May God’s people leave her as they would a house on fire or a sinking ship! They should never stop to think of reforming her. She is not to be reformed. She must receive her portion of the plagues. Let commandment-keepers be faithful. Oh brethren, be diligent in making your election sure. Your trials here may be severe, and your persecutions awfully painful; but stand firm on the truth. An eternity of joy will by far outweigh them all. “Come then my dear brethren, count all things but loss
For treasures in heaven; don’t shrink from the cross
Ye favorites of heaven, dear lambs of the fold,
Though demons surround you be faithful and bold.
“Consider the dangers that lie in your way,
What snares and temptations in this evil day;
All this you must suffer, and patient endure,
Till Jesus shall take us where sufferings are o’er.”
B. F. SNOOK.