MEETINGS IN NORTHERN IOWA.
By M. E. Cornell
THE weather being unfavorable for tent-meetings we thought best to visit those churches where help was most needed and spend about a week among them. The meeting at Marion was well attended, notwithstanding the cold rain that came on. On first day twelve were baptized, and seemed to take new courage. At a business meeting the church unanimously resolved to accept the name Seventh-day Adventists. It was also voted that in view of the extreme necessity of a house of worship at Marion, tent expenses &c., that the church ask to be excused from taking stock in the Publishing Association at present. The plan of Systematic Benevolence was considered and measures taken to carry it out more fully. At Fairview we found the interest to hear on present truth was increasing. The hall was nearly full, notwithstanding the short notice and a thunder-storm that came on as people were gathering. We left an appointment for the Sunday night following, and went on to Rome. Here we found the people coming in from every quarter to hear a war speech, which gave us a good opportunity to announce our appointment. We had five meetings, and were glad to see the Roman brethren so willing to receive plain preaching, reproof, and instruction in righteousness, by the word of truth. Seventeen were baptized on first day morning. In the afternoon we returned to Fairview and found the people gathering an hour earlier than usual. The interest to hear was never better in that place. Many were fearful that the building would give way, but seeing the owner of the hall present, and learning that extra supports had been placed underneath, some were inspired with confidence. Many that could not get in were heard to reproach the Baptists for locking their house, after agreeing that it should be open for other denominations when they did not use it. Some of the wealthiest and most respectable citizens were thus deceived by them to get their money. The public have been imposed upon, and it is expected that our friends in that vicinity will soon rally and put up a commodious house of worship. We feel that an announcement to speak on the signs of the times brings out the people en masse. A great change has taken place in the public mind, and even our enemies begin to concede that we may be partly right. On Monday, after a discourse on baptism, we went four miles to the river where twelve were baptized. This was a happy day to many. On Tuesday at 2 P. M., according to previous appointment, we met with them again at Marion. The two rooms at the house of Bro. Benest were crowded as full as possible, and quite a number remained outside. After the discourse we again repaired to the water where seven more were baptized. In the evening the ordinances were celebrated for the first time here. It was a precious season. These meetings have encouraged our hearts greatly. We shall go out with the tent feeling assured that there are many prayers for our success in winning souls to the truth.
M. E. Cornell.
B. F. Snook.