Camp-Meeting at Dunlap, Iowa.
By Geo. I. Butler
THIS was larger than either of the other meetings that have been held in the State of Iowa this summer. Thirty tents were pitched, and about four hundred persons encamped. This meeting was composed mainly of those who had not previously attended our camp-meetings, and many were present who had but recently embraced the truth. Quite a number came from Nebraska. We also had a large representation of our Scandinavian friends. Bro. Hanson was present, also Bro. James Sawyer, to speak to them in their own tongue when other services were not in progress. Bro. and Sr. White attended this meeting, also Bro. Farnsworth, Bro. Boyd from Nebraska, Bro. Bartlett, and the writer. The instruction given was very much needed, and we trust it will be highly prized. Bro. and Sr. White reached the ground Friday afternoon, accompanied by Bro. W. C. White and wife, comparatively in good health and spirits. Their testimony had never before been heard by most of those present, and of course their presence added much to the interest of the meeting. Bro. W. gave a valuable discourse Sabbath, bearing on spiritual gifts, with many interesting incidents connected with their manifestation among our people. We had an excellent Sabbath-school, led by Bro. W. C. White, with good words of instruction from several others on this important subject. Sister W. talked to the people Monday forenoon almost continuously for three hours, and such excellent practical instruction on the way to live out the principles of our holy religion in the common walks of life, it has rarely been my privilege to hear. Our congregation on Sunday was about a thousand. We took up the temperance work in earnest, and with encouraging results. Two hundred and seventy-three signed the teetotal pledge, giving up alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and all such stimulants. Eighty-one signed the anti-rum and tobacco pledge. Six hundred and forty-five have signed the teetotal pledge at the different meetings recently held in this State; and if we add to this the number of signatures obtained at the two meetings held in Missouri, we have in all eight hundred and eighty-nine. Many of these persons were enslaved by cups and pipes, and we trust the temperance influence will be strengthened by these meetings. We had a good farewell meeting Tuesday,— the best one of all. Much of the time several were waiting an opportunity to speak. All expressed much gratitude for the benefit received during the encampment. GEO. I. BUTLER.
Fairfield, Iowa, July 4, 1879.