Meeting at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.
By A. A. Fairfield
BRO. WHITE: According to appointment Bro. Ingraham arrived here the 27th ult., but on account of the inclemency of the weather, had no meeting until Sabbath morning, when the few Sabbath-keepers in reach of meeting, and some of our neighbors, all hungry for the word of the Lord, listened to a discourse on faith and works, or living faith; showing that God's people have always been a working people; and we lament that we do not always have that "faith which works by love." Afternoon, listened to a discourse on Dan. xii, 10, clearly proving that this is indeed the time of the end. First-day morning, an attentive congregation listened to a discourse from Acts iii, 19. Afternoon, repaired to the water, where four youths, children of our brethren and friends, were buried with the Lord in baptism. It was a solemn and impressive sight, and was remarked by one that "it looked like a burial." Surely if the religious world did realize that Christ did die, and was really buried, and that the slain sinner is to be buried with their Lord in baptism, God would not be mocked with any substituted bogus baptism invented by the man of sin. Evening, met again, and listened to a discourse on the ministration of angels—their character and work, both of good and evil; and the interest manifested by them in the destiny of the human race, more particularly of the great interest manifested by the heavenly angels in the salvation of God's people, in which they seem to take more interest than man, the recipient. While a Lot would stand at the door and entreat and compromise with his wicked neighbors, the angels would pull him in and shut the door against them, and when he would linger in the doomed city, they would hurry him out ere the wrath of God was poured out upon it. So in the case of the patriarchs and worthies mentioned in the holy Scriptures, the angels assisted in important movements, or critical situations, in which they were placed. Surely God did care for and send his angels to assist his people in ancient times. Does he not have the same care for them now, and do not the angels have the same interest in our salvation as in theirs? Yes. Says Paul, "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" Heb. i, 14. Oh, that we could realize their presence, and aid them. Methinks we would be more watchful, and walk softly before the Lord, that they might not be grieved and turn away from us. Second-day, repaired to the water again, and witnessed the burial of an old lady in the liquid grave, from which she arose with joy in her heart, and praise on her lips. She had been a member of the M. E. Church over fifty years, enjoying a good conscience; but when the commandment came, sin revived and she died, and was baptized, having waited, with others some time for a fit opportunity to show her faith in the death, burial and resurrection of the Saviour. Evening, met again and heard a discourse on the saints' inheritance. Truly may those "rejoice always" that are Christ's; being "Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise." We feel that this has been a profitable meeting to the church, and to some of our neighbors who are investigating these truths. This church has no sympathy with any rebellious spirit, but feel to mourn and lament the unfaithfulness of those in whom we have had the utmost confidence. Our continual prayer is that they may see their errors, and wander no further from the Lord, but return ere it is too late, that God may have mercy on them. Pray for us, that we may stand firm, and live so that the light may shine out, and God be glorified in us and others that may be led to see the truth. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Nov. 7, 1865.