CAUSE IN KNOXVILLE, IOWA.
By R. S. Patterson
BRO. WHITE: Perhaps it may be interesting to some of your readers to see a word again from Knoxville, Iowa. I think I can discover that the testimonies from Southern Iowa, through the Review are becoming less frequent; and fearing that some may feel discouraged and be induced to conclude that we are turning unto fables and going after strange gods, serving the lusts of the flesh, I would say for the encouragement of such, we are still striving for victory, in hope of the reward that awaits the faithful. Though we have many trials and difficulties to encounter, yet we have great reason to rejoice and praise God that he has done so much for us, while we have done so little for him. I fear we have failed to bring an acceptable sacrifice to the altar, a broken spirit and a contrite heart, not remembering that we must overcome by the blood of Christ and the word of our testimony. I fear the truth has not been permitted to go free because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in partly to spy out our liberty, &c; but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lusts of uncleanness, and despise governments, these are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts, and their mouths speaking great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage. But thanks be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge in every place in them that perish as well as in them that are saved. The third angel's message, with the straight testimony, is too straight and narrow a track for hypocrites to walk in, hence such are gradually dropping off, and seeking a more congenial home in the place which is fast becoming the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Rev. xviii, 2. On last Sabbath evening, Aug. 2, Bro. Waggoner preached to us on the mode and design of fasting, setting forth the truth as taught in the word, to a large and attentive congregation, in a manner, I trust, that will make a lasting impression. At 9 o'clock, Sabbath morning, a goodly number of brethren and sisters of this place and neighboring churches met in prayer for the prosperity of Zion, and that the Lord's remnant people may be able to stand in the time of trouble, when men's hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. After this, Bro. Waggoner preached a very stirring and appropriate discourse on christian duty and fellowship. At 5 o'clock P. M., a large congregation again assembled to continue in fasting and prayer. In a short time it became manifest that the Lord was accepting our offering, and was pouring out his Spirit abundantly, and we began to realize that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. Many began to feel the love of God shed abroad; and while their hearts were made glad, their mouths were filled, and many that had never before confessed God, began to testify. Praise God for his truths as revealed in the third angel's message! We continued to testify, to sing and rejoice until we were swallowed up and lost in the glory of God. Praise God! for he is good, for his mercy endureth forever! On first-day morning we met again for social worship, after which Bro. Waggoner preached a funeral discourse, on account of the departed daughter of Bro. and Sr. Cronkite, setting forth the destiny of man as taught in the word of truth, in a train of logical arguments that should convince the world of the fallacy of the traditional fables of the modern (so-called) orthodox churches. We then repaired to Whitebreast creek, where seventeen made a public profession of Christ, by being buried with him in baptism, seven of whom had just made a profession and started to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. In the evening we met again for the transaction of local business. Bro. Waggoner labored faithfully in giving us the straight and true testimony, after which we unanimously adopted for the support of the cause the plan of systematic benevolence. We trust there has been much good done in this place in preparing the remnant people to stand in the great day. Let me say in conclusion, and in behalf of this people, The Lord bless Bro. Waggoner for his faithful and precious testimony.
R. S. PATTERSON.