| 562 done some preaching in and around Pleasanton and Lamoni, Iowa, during the year, but to what result we are not fully prepared to estimate, other than that the effect wrought upon the mass of the members has been to the confirming of their faith in the calling and work of the Reorganization. We think this is the result at Pleasanton, the home of Elder Z. H. Gurley, and at Lone Rock and at other points in Missouri, where Elder E. H. Gurley has spoken, and at Lamoni. Whatever else may be said, while the work to be done by the elders of the church may have been made more difficult, the cause has not been checked, nor any serious inroads made upon the numbers and faith of the body.
The effort lately made by Elder David Whitmer, J. C. Whitmer, J. J. Snyder, and W. P. Brown, to create a diversion from the faith as held by us has not met the success which it may well be believed those who made it thought it entitled to, though it has been annoying to some and in that sense hurtful. We are informed of but few of the members who have been seriously affected by the statements of Elder Whitmer so far as made. What may be in reserve to be said we are not informed, and can not venture to offer a surmise, either as to its nature or the course to be pursued by the eldership in view of it. Elder W. P. Brown baptized one at Lamoni, Iowa, and a number at, or near Cameron, Ontario, from those who were at the time or had been members with us. Aside from these we are not aware that the faith of the Saints has been turned away from the truth as held by the church.
The outlook as presented by letters to us from every quarter of the field is a very encouraging one.
Australia under the ministry of Bro. Joseph P. Burton offers an attractive field.
The Society Islands, under Bro. T. W. Smith seems to offer an opportunity for considerable increase, but requires much labor.
The English Mission shows an increased vigor and changed prospects for the better.
If practicable the missions in Germany and Denmark should be strengthened. There are several brethren who are available for the Danish field, if it be decided to prosecute it anew.
From every part of the American field, with one exception, there are the most flattering reports. Alabama presents a stagnant condition. No labor of moment has been done there for the past two years; and there is great need of active missionary work being done there.
The work of the Reorganized Church in Utah never needed more careful and wise effort than now. The events of the past year have been peculiar and favorable for a better hearing for our cause than for years back; and we believe the work should be continued there.
The circumstances surrounding the laborers in the field during the year have been conducive to an increase of knowledge regarding the history of the church in the past, and of the work demanded of the eldership. They have also tended to a better understanding among the
(page 562) |
