Report of Meetings by W. H. Brinkerhoff

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 25, 1865

Report of Meetings.

By W. H. Brinkerhoff

Bro. White: I am still engaged in the good cause of trying to win souls to Christ. Since I last wrote, I have been holding meetings most of the time. On March 1, I met with the West Union church, and continued with them through the days appointed by the General Conference Committee. The Lord blessed us at these meetings, and on the Sabbath, we had a soul-cheering time.

March 5, went to Elgin and commenced meetings again. On the 10th, we were made to rejoice by seeing some of the Waukon brethren, who came down to the meeting.

The 12th, seven were baptized. Oh the Lord is good. I was much blessed in these meetings. Praise the Lord! God is love.

On the 15th, went back to Illyria. The weather was so stormy, that but few came out. While at this place, a Methodist Elder from West Union, came down to attend to these Quacks, as he called me and my brethren. He gave one sermon on the Sabbath question. He is a learned man, and as the result of his knowledge, he made ten false statements, and contradicted himself twelve times. We had the privilege of reviewing him. He accomplished considerable good for us in that sermon. 'Tis hard for man to fight against God and his truth.

On the 21st, preached the funeral sermon of Bro. Rice at Lima. Deep interest was manifested here, and as we stood around the grave, a stranger accosted us to know where we were going to preach next, as he wanted to hear more. This was the first Advent sermon ever preached in that place. Many around are anxious to hear.

April 1, had meeting again at Elgin, and on the 2d, organized a church of eleven members, three of whom came out of the West Union church. May God's blessing rest upon this little hand. They seem to be striving earnestly to obey the Lord. There are several more who will unite with this church soon. On the afternoon of the same day, we went with Bro. Oliver Stevens, who had come down from Waukon for us to go there and preach the funeral sermon of Bro. Albert Farnsworth. Here I also preached another funeral sermon of a little child, and spoke to the church once.

On the seventh, in company with father and mother Butler and Sr. Williams, went to West Union to attend the Quarterly Meeting. It had rained a good deal, and the streams were up; but the Lord brought us safely through. At this meeting, we met a goodly number of the brethren from abroad. And although the clouds of darkness seemed to settle over us at first, yet they soon gave way, and we obtained the victory. We had a blessed time in attending to the ordinances. Quite a number had now an opportunity for the first time, to attend such a meeting. I felt well repaid for my toils and labors here, as these dear saints of God were made to rejoice, as the blessing of the Lord rested upon them. It was good to wait upon the Lord, and all felt well paid for coming to this meeting.

I had expected to start for home at the close of this meeting; but on Sunday, Bro. Simpson came down from Waukon to take me to that place again, as father Andrews was fast failing in health. I came up on Monday, almost worn out. Found father Andrews still alive, but so weak as to be scarcely able to talk any. But he is happy in the Lord, and rejoices in the God and Rock of his salvation. To-day (the 12th) he is still alive, but failing.

I am considerably worn down with the labors past, and we have had so much cloudy, damp weather, that my lungs pain me much. But what shall I do? Many are calling all around for labor, saying, "Come over and help us." Let me have the prayers of God's people, that I may have strength to go on, and do some little good in the glorious work before us. I want to live humbly and walk circumspectly before the world.

Pray for me. W. H. Brinkerhoff.

Waukon, Apr. 12, 1865.