REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By John H. Waggoner
THE Sabbath after the New York Conference, Oct. 31, I was at South Lancaster, Mass. I there enjoyed the privilege of a friendly visit with Bro. Canright and family; also of forming acquaintance with Bro. Haskell, and others who have been long waiting for the hope of Israel to be realized at the coming of the Lord. Our meetings, I trust, were truly profitable. I enjoyed them greatly, and think all did; and our enjoyment was that of a calm assurance in God's promises, and a deeper determination to overcome. I shall ever remember with pleasure and gratitude my call at South Lancaster. Nov. 2, I went to Boston, and after a short call at the office of The Christian, went to the boat intending to go by water to Portland; but after waiting till starting time, 5 P. M., we were informed that the boat would not go out on account of the snow storm. Went to Portland on the 3d, where I found that Bro. Goodrich had an appointment the next evening. So I remained. Wednesday evening, 4th, attended meeting in the hall; a goodly number came down from Falmouth, and we had an agreeable and profitable time. Fifth-day afternoon, and 5th of the month, I went to Skowhegan, where I arrived in a rain storm, and found a pleasant home and hearty welcome at Bro. A. B. Atwood's. Next day I went to Cornville, to attend the Monthly Meeting appointed there. The roads were rough, and the wind very strong and cold; therefore the attendance was not so large as at some of the Monthly Meetings. My coming in their midst was unexpected to them; but I received a cordial welcome from many hearts warm in the love of present truth. The Lord was with us; I felt as though I was among my Father's children, and enjoyed good freedom in speaking the word. Here also I met Brn. Howard, Barnes, Stratton, Putnam, and Blaisdell. As it was yet uncertain whether Bro. White would come to Maine, I made conditional appointments for the two following Sabbaths, at Hartland and Canaan, hoping to get Bro. and Sr. White to meet with us at Norridgewock, the 25th.—Wishing to fill up the time I sent appointments for Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at Athens. On both these evenings it was very stormy, first snow, next rain; but we enjoyed the privilege of examining the sacred word of God. On Thursday morning, while I was preparing to leave Athens, Bro. Atwood came from Skowhegan, having received a line from Bro. White saying they would be in Norridgewock the following Sabbath. Instead of going to Hartland I sent word to withdraw my appointment, and went to Skowhegan, where Bro. and Sr. White arrived that evening on the cars. Meetings at Norridgewock are, I suppose, reported by Bro. White. But the notice was so brief that it was evident the object of the meeting could not be accomplished with so small an attendance. Under strong convictions of duty the meeting at Portland was postponed one week, and notices sent to all the churches in Maine, that they would spend the next Sabbath also at Norridgewock. As my object was to enter some new field as soon as possible, and it was uncertain whether I should spend another Sabbath with any of the churches, I sent evening appointments to Canaan and Hartland. Tuesday morning, 17th, I went on the cars eight miles down the Kennebec. The river was closed with ice, not strong enough to cross on with safety; but as the mail was to cross, a track through the ice was broken for the passage of a small boat; this enabled me to get to Canaan. Though the notice was very brief the meeting was well attended. We were all comforted together in the love of God through his truth. All present who were not with us listened with earnest attention. Wednesday was stormy—a very tedious snow storm. For this reason the attendance was small at Hartland; but a profitable meeting I trust for all who came. The second meeting at Norridgewock was very effective. The testimony of Bro. and Sr. White was well received; their coming proved very timely for the interest of the cause in this State. There is a general feeling of encouragement on the part of the churches; and the feeling of distrust which had so extensively prevailed against the order which we, as a people, have adopted, is removed. The last meeting, Sunday evening, 22d, was specially solemn, impressive, and cheerful. Sr. White enjoyed great liberty in speaking. As she marked out the perils, crosses, and duties of the narrow path, and the sufferings of Jesus for us, we were admonished and encouraged to make stronger efforts to overcome; and as she described the triumphant entrance of the blood-washed company into the joy of their Lord, our hearts were filled with rapture, and we could almost anticipate the hour of triumph as we responded to the song of praise, “Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain.” Oh! what a blessed hope is ours! Monday we spent in arranging book matters. Yesterday we came to Richmond, and to the neighborhood of the “Reed meeting-house,” noticed in Life Incidents, pages 82–88, where we attended meeting last night, and heard Eld. Walker, of Richmond, give a practical discourse, after which we improved the liberty given to us; and where Bro. White has an appointment to-night. From here they go to their appointment in Portland. What I shall do yet remains to be decided. I am looking to the Lord for the way of duty, earnestly desiring to walk in the way of his choosing. I came to this State deeply feeling my unworthiness and frailty; and especially realizing my inability to do anything in my own strength in this field where so much labor had been bestowed by those stronger than myself. But for this I feel thankful, that I have felt free in the Lord since coming here, and never was more confident that I was in the line of duty. Never did I feel more at home than with this people. Where, and how long I shall labor in this State, I know not. I only ask that the Lord will direct to his own glory.