p. 78 | Meetings in Iowa by T. M. Steward

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 2, 1864

Meetings in Iowa.

By T. M. Steward

Bro. White: I left home about the middle of November, intending to spend two weeks visiting a brother and sister of mine, in Iowa, the latter of whom I had not seen for eighteen years. While there they wished me to lecture at Burr Oak. So I commenced my meetings in the Methodist meeting-house under rather unfavorable circumstances. But when the people began to hear of the meetings, and became much interested, the Methodist presiding elder came round and ordered the house closed against me, and accused me of teaching infidelity. He read an essay on the obligation of the Christian Sabbath; and it was a weak effort indeed.

The next evening I reviewed him in the school-house, with a house-full of interested hearers. This extended the interest of the meetings, so I continued my meetings with increasing interest, until the storm and bad roads interrupted. We had the severest weather ever known in the West. We could not determine the intensity of the cold. Thermometers had to be taken in to prevent them from freezing. After the weather moderated I had several meetings, and left some eight or ten who had decided to keep the Sabbath. May the Lord help them to understand and obey the truth.

I might have sold many books if I had only had them. I sold what I had. I was obliged to get a sleigh to return home. The friends kindly assisted me in my necessity. May the Lord reward them for their kindness. I often think of our Saviour's instructions in Matt. x, 42.

I send you four new subscribers. I had to leave Burr Oak before I got through. May the Lord direct some of his servants that way, for I think there is a good opening for labor.

T. M. STEWARD.

Mauston, Wis.