Report from Bro. Sanborn.
By Isaac Sanborn
Bro. White: Pursuant to appointment I met with the brethren at Rockton, Oct. 30th and 31st, and found them in a distracted condition. But the blessing of God, attending the word spoken, things were set in order among them, and I trust that through the things which they have suffered in the past, they have learned wisdom, that will benefit them in the future, and I hope that with the blessing of God they may grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. From here we went to Hundred Mile Grove, to attend the quarterly meeting there. We had an interesting meeting. One was baptized and some who have been falling back for a year, took courage and started anew for the kingdom. Though this church has had many severe trials to encounter, they are still going on becoming stronger and more determined to go through. They have commenced to build a meeting-house, which they need very much, and I trust God will bless them in the enterprise. From this place we went to Lynxville, which is situated among the bluffs of the Mississippi, where we found a few brethren and sisters desiring to go to Mt. Zion. They had been thrown into trouble and confusion, by some church meetings held among them by inexperienced men, who I trust have learned better now. Here I organized a church of sixteen members, and baptized three, while there seemed to be quite an interest awakened in the minds of others to obey the truth. I trust that the Lord will help those living the truth, to let their light so shine before those interested that they may obey the Lord at once, that they, too, may be saved when Jesus comes. At this meeting we met a number of our brethren from Waukon, Iowa, who came fifty miles to have me go to Waukon, to help them out of trouble into which they were thrown by some urging re-baptism. I think our brethren in some places have injured the cause by injudiciously urging persons to be re-baptized, when the persons urged had not yet seen it their duty. My rule has always been to present the subject as clear as I could, and if they did not then see it their duty, I tell them to read and study their Bibles, and they will see it in due time. There is danger of urging persons so that they will be baptized on the faith of another, or before they are decided, but this does not trouble any at Waukon, now. I commenced preaching there the 18th and preached eight times in their new meeting-house. During these meetings wrongs were confessed, and union restored. Father Butler, by permission of the church, resigned his office of eldership on account of his age and feebleness, and George I. Butler, his son, was ordained in his place, and Bro. Wm. Andrews was ordained deacon. I believe it was a profitable meeting to all. Here I was glad to meet some from West Union, who are still pressing forward for the kingdom. I trust our brethren and sisters in Waukon, and other places, will heed the testimony of Jesus and press together. Press together, saith the Lord; and be perfectly joined together, says the apostle. I am now on my way to Wis., feeling much encouraged by the meetings at Waukon. McGregor's Landing, Iowa, Nov. 23d, 1863.