WESTERN TOUR by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 2, 1861

WESTERN TOUR.

By James White

The Marion (Iowa) Conference was well attended by the brethren in Eastern Iowa. The people in town came out so that the court house was filled. We had more freedom in speaking than we expected, after the discouragements through which we had passed before leaving home, and the tedious journey. Mrs. W. spoke several times with usual freedom. We were happy to meet with Bro. and sister Snook, and found with them a most pleasant home during the meeting. Humility, patience, good common sense and neatness, are admirable qualities in a Minister's wife. There was perfect harmony of feeling and action in the business meeting. The brethren in Eastern Iowa seem fully determined to sustain the cause among them, and will be greatly disappointed if Bro. and sister Cornell do not join them this summer in labor to extend the cause of truth.

After the conference had closed (2nd day), Bro. E. W. Shortridge arrived at Marion. He designed to be at the conference, but was detained. We were exceedingly glad to meet Bro. S. We had a profitable and agreeable visit with him at Bro. Snook's, and heard him preach third day eve. Fourth day morning he was immersed by Bro. Snook, and at a meeting at Bro. Benest's was set apart to the work of the gospel ministry among us by the laying on of hands and prayer. This was an affecting meeting. We felt that Bro. S. was one of us. Nor did we forget his family at home, but supplicated divine mercy and blessings upon them, that his wife and children might be strong in the truth and free in Christ, and be a support to him as he now enters upon his new and arduous labors.

In the afternoon we took the stage to Fairview, Bro. S. accompanying us, where we met a good congregation, collected by short notice, to which we all spoke, dividing the time between Bro. S., Mrs. W., and self.

It was rather a choice meeting. The brethren present raised ten dollars for Bro. S. Hope he will be used as well or better at every place he calls till his circumstances are improved. Fifth day we journeyed on to the Plum River conference. This meeting was small the weather being cold and the friends in this region few. This country has been cursed with age-to-come, and no-law-ism. The demoralizing influence of these heresies has been deeply felt, and the people are disgusted with the idea of anything new. There have also been unfortunate things with those who have labored to advance the cause of present truth, which have been miserably managed, and the cause is left in a low and rather discouraging state in this region. Our tried brethren are getting used to trials, and probably have never seen less than at the present time. Bro. S. Myers is having great care for us in taking us to and from the place of meeting, and he and his good family are making us happy at their home. J. W.