Report from Bro. Brinkerhoff.
By Wm. H. Brinkerhoff
BRO. WHITE: Although I have not reported myself through the Review for some time, yet I have not been altogether idle in the great harvest-field. On Friday, Nov. 4, 1864, I commenced meetings with the Laporte city church. Found the church in a low condition, and sorely harrassed by one who once professed to love the truth. Gave eighteen discourses, and had some precious seasons in the prayer-meetings. Our God is a prayer-hearing and a prayer-answering God. The power of the enemy was broken, and the church set free, and a good interest was manifested by outsiders. I have just received a letter from that church, (Jan. 30) stating that their meetings are good and still increasing in interest. Friday, Dec. 9, attended the Quarterly Meeting at Marion. Met with Bro. Snook. Here we had, considering the circumstances, a good meeting. Friday, Dec. 16, attended a meeting at Fairview in company with Bro. Snook. Some here were in deep trial; but on the Sabbath the Lord gave us freedom in bearing the testimony, and we had a good meeting, and we trust a profitable one. Friday, Dec. 23, Bro. Snook met with us at Lisbon. We had a good meeting, and while we attended to the ordinances, the Lord specially gave us his blessing. Dec. 30, met with the brethren at Pilot Grove at their Quarterly Meeting. The Lord met with us, and we had a precious time. While we called the attention of the brethren to paying vows and asked them to take a retrospective view of 1864, which had just passed, deep solemnity rested upon the congregation, and the social meeting was one of the best I ever enjoyed. I felt glad that I was a commandment-keeper. On Friday, Jan. 6, 1865, attended Quarterly Meeting at Waukon. Here we met with Bro. L. G. Bostwick, who assisted in preaching the word. Here we formed many new acquaintances which we hope may be renewed in the kingdom of God. Jan. 20, commenced a course of lectures in Elgin, Fayette Co. We have now given sixteen lectures, and several have decided to keep the commandments of God, and others are investigating. We have many calls to preach the word, and as far as strength will permit, we want to go. The reform in eating is one that I am falling strongly in love with, and by endeavoring to live it out, I can truly see its blessing. Pray for me. P. S. My present address is Clermont, Fayette Co., Iowa.