MEETINGS IN SOUTHERN IOWA.
By J. H. Waggoner
July 12th I went to Vernon, Van Buren Co. As I expected from report given, I found the church very low in spiritual matters. Difficulties had existed among them for a long time; and as all the members were inexperienced, they knew not what to do. As a general thing they felt the need of help, and consequently it was not very difficult to help them. The most serious difficulty was a feeling of distrust of those whom God has chosen in this great work, and the consequent lack of faith in the message. Of course the spirit of God was grieved, and their zeal had departed. That they were willing to be helped was manifested by their heeding the testimony delivered to them. I think all (that had used) renounced the use of tobacco while I was there; they unanimously adopted the Systematic Benevolence plan, and covenanted anew to enter into the work of preparing for the coming of the Lord. I was not able to preach much, and therefore held only two public meetings in the school-house. These were well attended, and I was urged to give more appointments; but I did not think it was duty under the circumstances. As I was not able to labor, I improved the opportunity of visiting a brother in Missouri whom I had not seen for many years. On my return I was informed that two meeting-houses were offered for my use in Bentonport, if I would give a course of lectures. I could only leave them with the hope that they might keep the same mind till some one shall be able to improve the opening. On the 19th I went to Fairfield. There I found things in a much worse condition. There was no unity in the church of either faith or feeling; and it was very hard to do anything for them, there being so many that did not feel the need of help. When it was suggested that certain action (which was wrong in itself) be deferred till I should come to advise and assist them, it was replied that they did not want any body to assist them, as they were an independent church and could do their own business. Not only so, but some asserted that they were organized under the name of "Church of God," and therefore stood independent of the Seventh-day Adventists: that they had their officers to transact business, etc. This was calculated to place me in an embarrassing position. Yet they were mistaken; no officers had ever been ordained in the church, according to the Scriptures. After considerable inquiry into their standing, and the spirit of some being manifested, it appeared evident that much wrong existed among them, and had for a long time. My advice was for them all to humble themselves and begin the work anew, and strive for unity of faith, and to grow up into the present truth. But this, some were not inclined to do. Therefore, to bring matters to a crisis, Bro. Bartlett moved that they organize under the name of Seventh-day Adventists. This, of course, drew the line between them that wished to stand with the body of Advent believers, and them that wished to stand independent—the very thing that had long been needed. About half of those present were very decided in the affirmative; others were not prepared to act, who, I trust, will yet see their way clear to unite with the body. The natural consequences of rejecting the gifts of the Spirit were here seen. When it was said that the gifts were necessary to perfect the church and bring them to the unity of the faith [Eph. iv], it was replied that such a state of things would never be before the Lord comes! If it is supposed that we can stand in the time of trouble and be translated without perfection, or gathered without unity, we cannot wonder that they feel no necessity of the gifts of the Spirit of God. It is to be deeply deplored that any should be found professing the faith of the Third Angel's Message with such limited views of the work before us. Sabbath, 27, I spent with the church in Oskaloosa. This was a time of encouragement. Most of them are growing strong in the truth, and earnest in the work. Tobacco is mostly laid aside amongst them, and they adopted Systematic Benevolence with manifest cheerfulness. They also embrace the promises of God in the gifts of his Spirit to the church, and are reading the two volumes on that subject with much interest. A special token for good is their deep interest in the Review. Although Satan is throwing some distracting influences among them already, prominent among which is the preaching mania, my heart is comforted in this visit with the little flock in Oskaloosa. They seem to understand and appreciate aright the work of the enemy above referred to. And I feel to praise God anew for the power and light of the present truth. P. S. I have written quite a lengthy report of the above meetings for the benefit of those churches which I shall not be able to visit. But I feel constrained to say a few words more to both them that I have and have not visited. Dear Brethren: I find that you have been sinking in discouragement and resting down in darkness. This need not be—it must not be. It is probably true that there are more distracting influences working here than in almost any other field; we are on the line between Freedom and Slavery, and society seems all broken up. A feeling of distrust and suspicion pervades every community. But you may rest assured this trouble is reaching you only a little in advance; it is spreading all over the land. And as troubles thicken, our faith should grow stronger and our zeal and devotion be increased. The Third Angel's Message is the truth for "perilous times," and while an unnatural distrust exists between man and man, let us not do so wickedly as to distrust the living God. A distrust of God's hand in this work has done much injury to the cause in this field. I intreat you to put it away; trust in God and look up. Get into the work; get "the helmet of salvation" on yourselves, then pray for the prosperity of the cause. There is no reason why we should be groping in darkness here. God has spoken words of encouragement for Iowa, and he is as ready to bless and revive his work here as anywhere. I earnestly pray that the spirit that was in Caleb and Joshua may be in you all, leading you on to victory.