>From Mannville, Putnam Co., Fla. Dear Messenger:- Upon my return home from the school, where I was called to see my daughter, I found it necessary to return to Florida.-When I arrived at Palatka, I met with our very dear brother, J. H. Moore, and family. Our meeting was indeed pleasant. From Palatka, Bro. Moore went to his home by the lake, and I came here, where I have spent the Sabbath. Attended divine worship in the house where Bro. Moore preached the first sermon by the Brethren in this State, and where I preached when here before.-The service in the forenoon, was conducted by the Christian Baptists, and at four o'clock I had the pleasure of addressing a very large audience, for this country. After service there was a young man baptized into the Disciple church, by Elder Trout, who is pastor of the church here. The principal object of my early return to the State, was to meet Bro. Moore, and labor to unite our efforts to build up a community of Brethren, or lay the foundation of a church in this most desirable climate. Believing that many would likely follow Bro. Moore, and knowing that soon all the best land would be taken up, and the price so heavily advanced as to put it out of reach of many Brethren and friends, I have purchased sixteen hundred acres of the best and richest land I could find on the railroad leading from Palatka to Gainsville. These lands are as well adapted to the growth of the oranges, and early vegetables, as any I have found in the State. After a careful examination on my former visit, I have purchased on such terms as will enable me to sell them to my friends on better terms than they can be had in small tracts from any one else. After all the arrangements have been made, the property will be left in the hands of Bro. Moore, who will answer all questions, and show it to the Brethren when they come to see him, and if they like it, and wish to join in with us, to build up the cause in this great field, they can have it on extremely easy terms. While I do not see how I can make this my home altogether, on account of my interests in Virginia, yet I expect to spend much of my time here during the Winter. As soon as practicable, a church-house will be built which can also be used for a school-house. I cannot see any reason why the doctrines and faith of our Brethren cannot be firmly planted in this land. There is a class of people coming here from all parts of the East and West, who are establishing communities, governed by the highest rules of well-regulated society. Everybody attends church. Drinking saloons are almost a thing (under the laws) out of the reach of a man who would afflict a community with traffic in the terrible destroyer of human society. To obtain a license, he must first get the consent of every citizen in writing, and that writing witnessed by two witnesses, and then after swearing that no unfair means were employed in getting that consent, he must pay $100.00 for his license for one year. And to further protect our community, a prohibiting clause will be inserted in every deed, that no such traffic shall be allowed on the lands thus conveyed. We call this prohibition. I expect in a few days to leave for the bosom of the dear family at home. Will be pleased to hear from any brother who may wish to hear more from this country. J. C. Moomaw. Cloverdale, Va. >From the Bethel Church, Mo. Dear Messenger:- Again, after quite a delay, we met with the brethren and sisters "in the hill country of Judea" (as Bro. C. C. Root terms it,) and delivered two discourses. One young lady was made willing to forsake sin, and join in with the people of God. There were others almost persuaded. We hope the impressions made may be as bread, cast upon the waters, that may be gathered not many days hence. A local minister of the M. E. church was present at our morning meeting, and heard us upon the subject of feet-washing. He was also present at the baptism and earnestly requested us to hold meetings in his neighborhood. We are fully persuaded that there are many in this "hill country of Judea," who are tired of the service of sin, and who will soon desert Satan's ranks, and enlist under the blood-stained banner of King Immanuel. Bro. Joel Glick, yesterday preached his farewell sermon at Squaw Creek, to a good congregation. Bro. Joel has served us faithfully in the ministry, but on account of failing health, he leaves us. He expects to spend the Summer traveling and visiting relatives in the East, and, perhaps, may go to Florida. He expects to locate in a more healthful climate. We will miss him very much in our labors in the ministry. Our prayer is that he may be benefitted by the change, and be yet able to labor much in the Lord's vineyard. J. R. Keller. >From Ozawkie, Kan. Dear Messenger:- We read with much interest the results of the labors of many of our brethren, who entered the mission field during the Winter. Not having the pleasure of enjoying visits by our brethren, we thought, however, best not to be idle, but rather to increase our efforts. This we did by meeting more frequently. We have had so far, this Winter, eleven meetings each month, and our experience is, the more meetings, the better the interest. Among our best meetings are the children's meetings, which we have regularly once each month, with increased interest.-From what experience we now have of these meetings, we could heartily recommend them. Brethren try it for three months, and then report. We think the whole secret lies in this: Convince the children that they are regarded, and address them in a way adapted to their understanding. J. A. Root. [Note from Wayne: Here is one for you Jan. John A. Root was a very frequent contributor to the Gospel Messenger.] >From Roanoke, Ill. Dear Messenger:- On the 7th of March, Bro. G. W. Cripe came to us and commenced meeting in our church, east of town. Held three meetings. Sunday night moved the meeting to town in a hall, and the Methodist brethren prevailed on us to hold our meeting in their church, which we did, and had good congregations, and very good attention. None came out on the Lord's side. Bro. George preached the Word with power, and we pray that the good seed sown may fall into good and honest hearts. The last meeting was on Monday night, the 17th, when many tears were shed. May the blessings of God go with the dear brother, wherever he goes, is our prayer. G. W. Gish. March 24. >From J. W. Southwood. Bro. Jesse Calvert came to us, (the Antioch church,) at Dora, on the evening of the 8th, and continued until the evening of the 16th. Meeting closed with one addition, and good interest. On the next evening he came to the Hart's school-house, and other points in our church. It is near Monument City. Up to this date four meetings have been held, two before Bro. Calvert came, and two since. Interest good, and prospects favorable. The writer went to Lancaster last Friday, where he was summoned to preach the funeral of Bro. Philando C. Freeman, who died of consumption. Found Eld. Samuel Murray enjoying better health than he had last Winter. Monument City, Ind., March 19.