TENT MEETINGS IN MARYSVILLE, IOWA by B. F. Snook; M. E. Cornell

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 16, 1861

TENT MEETINGS IN MARYSVILLE, IOWA.

By B. F. Snook; M. E. Cornell

THE tent was pitched in Marysville, June 4, and meetings were continued to the 25th inst. When we began, we soon saw that we must labor against much prejudice. False reports of various kinds were being circulated by the Devil's chosen emissaries. As our lectures progressed, interest arose in the minds of many, and so continued to the close of the meetings.

About a week after the commencement of our lectures, when the interest was getting quite good, as it was about time for the dragon to begin his operations, lo! our attention was attracted by the appearance of one of his, no doubt, most faithful servants. A Campbellite minister was on the ground ready to erect an opposite battery. He heard us, and then announced that he would begin meetings in their meeting-house the next evening. We told him that if he thought we were preaching errors, and that he could overthrow them, he was welcome to the tent, which he might occupy as long as was necessary. No, said he. He would hear no such propositions. His meeting began. His crowd was composed of those of his brethren who were so prejudiced that they would not hear us. The more generous and noble of them attended our meetings and were much disgusted with his course. He boasted much, and made a great display of that carnality of mind which is enmity to the law of God, and showed that he was not subject to the law.

He stated, as we were informed, that we did not dare to come into their house and preach alternately with him. We thereupon called for the privilege, but were refused. This they construed into a challenge, which they pretended to accept, but soon backed out of it. We had a good attendance all the time. Near one hundred decided that we have the truth on the Sabbath. Quite a number have also decided to keep it; many who did not unite with us, but who we think will. We found a small company of generally noble and warm-hearted souls who we hope will go through. They appear to be coming out fully into the practice and theory of the truth. They are going to leave their tea, coffee and tobacco in the very commencement. We hope that those of our people wishing to visit them will not do so until they leave off these superfluous indulgences, as we do not wish such a bad and unchristian example set before them by those who should now be teaching holiness by their every-day walk. Those who still persist in the use of tea, coffee and tobacco, after having the benefit of a year's experience in this truth, should blush at hearing of these persons stepping out in advance of them in the very commencement. We pray that the blessing of God may rest upon this little flock, that they may be faithful in all things, and finally join in singing the song of Moses and the Lamb.

B. F. SNOOK. M. E. CORNELL.