South Bethel Church

(Bethel)

1872-1924)

Christian Family Companion Feb. 13, 1872 page 107 Vol. VIII No. 7

Bethel Church, Holt County, Mo. Brother Holsinger:—After so long a time I again take the liberty of writing to you a few items of church correspondence. I am still sojourning in the land of Holt, am well pleased and among good friends; and it is really a home to me; for I am as a wandering star, having no settled place of abode ; but purpose, in the course of three months to seek a certain space many days journey toward the setting sun, and there to abide, if not hindered by some unseen circumstance. But I am wandering also from the subject of this letter. I am going to tell you about good meetings, good preaching, and an account of the election held. Brethren J. and C. Forney, J. Click of Nebraska, and Elder Correll were the ministering brethren. Held meetings for several days; had crowded houses and good attention. One sermon by J. Forney, Sr. I will give a synopsis of: "Wilt thou be made whole." As he is himself a physician, he could aptly relate what is necessary for any one to know, in order to be a good one: as, the cause of the malady, its proper remedy, and strictly following the prescription. He compared the good physician with the quack. Christ is the great Physician of souls. Those who faithfully teach and observe all the prescriptions, as faithful ones, (ministers,) and those that teach and practice only parts, as quacks. You will allow the text was good, and be assured it was handled by a master builder. Saturday, though, was the trying day amongst the resident members; for the principal object of the meeting was to hold an election for speaker and deacons. — The election over there was a very sound, clear, and comprehensive charge of the duties incumbent on those elected. I know the thought among the brethren was, " Is it I, is it I t" At last the result was made known. John Miller, speaker, Isaac Zeigler, Isaac Wampler, and Joel Glick, deacons. I have been at several elections, and do not know that 1 saw brethren so much affected as here; some completely gave away to their feelings. Hope they may be shining lights in the church and community.

  The church is in a healthy condition; peace and harmony throughout, and in the borders. Assailants have about exhausted their arguments of sophistry, and are willing to seek those who have not so "much scripture on their side as the brethren. But one thing about arguing scripture, I think, is not prudent, and that is, for the sake of argument, or to beat an antagonist; it tends rather to strife than to peace.

  In conclusion I would say to those purposing coming west, to come soon, for times are dull and land as cheap as it will be—from $10, $15, £25 to 50 per acre. Wages for teaching and labor, low; all owing to scarcity in money. But do not infer from this that people have nothing to live on. It would be a treat to you eastern farmers to see the corn, wheat, fruit, hogs, cattle, &c. Plenty of everything (except one article.) If the land flows not in honey I assure you that you will find it barreled up, and besides, milk, wine, cider, corn, so abundantly that you will own that “the half was not told me."

J. S. McFadden.