The Dayton Church’s Contributions
By Editor
Bro. S. Osborn writes from Dayton, Iowa, October 16, 1861: "The church is still growing and advancing. We now number thirty-nine members. Last February only twenty-nine, an increase of ten members without a preacher, only to baptize. "I will here give an account of what this church has done for the cause this season, since last February. "April last, clothes at cost for Bro. Snook, $34,68
"At same time, cash, 20,50
"June, sent to Eastern Iowa Tent, 15,00
"August, " " " " 3,00
"September, paid Bro. Snook, 6,33
"October, " " " 4,10
"Share for Bro. Snook in S. D. A. Pub. Asso. 10,00
"For the Association, 30,00
"Bro. Hull, last spring, cash, 20,00 "Sum total to this date, $143,61 "Try any church in Iowa this season and see if they have done so much in ready pay. We do not boast, but if Iowa generally had come up to the above, Michigan would have been nowhere. But the cause is young in Iowa, and many of the churches not organized, and many of those that are organized have not seen the necessity of doing anything. "I took it in hand last winter and preached for the systematic benevolence plan, and I got all the brethren and sisters to see the Bible testimony for it, as well as Bro. White, and it had its effect. Now they work understandingly. I think if some brother in the churches would attend to this thing, and take the responsibility off the preachers, it would be better for two reasons: the first is, when the members do it they cannot cry out speculation, as they would for a preacher, for the members can receive no pecuniary advantage from it, and what they do they do independently of any special profit; and second, it would leave the preachers free to bear the message better. "I think in addition to what you have said in regard to preachers being in union on these points, the churches should labor very much for union also, and by that means relieve you from such an embarrassment. My prayer is, let us all work together, to accomplish the same great end, our own salvation, and the salvation of our fellow-men." Iowa. The above from Bro. Osborn seems to have the backbone in it. This is what is needed these times. The Dayton and Richmond church has set a good example for other churches in Iowa. We think much of Bro. Osborn's proposition to have some brother in the church take hold of the matter as he has. It would be well to be one like Bro. O., who could not only preach systematic benevolence, but set a good example also. We are glad to learn by Bro. Waggoner's report that Southern Iowa is coming up. Glad that Bro. W. can give a better report since the war than others could before, when the times were better. This is very encouraging. Southern Iowa needs an experienced laborer like Bro. W. And if location and climate appear favorable, he might serve the cause best to be well located in that field.—Ed.