Tuscola Monthly Meeting.
By John H. Waggoner
The Monthly Meeting in Tuscola was held the third Sabbath in September. I was very glad of the opportunity of meeting again with the friends in that county, though the state of my health was such as to give little encouragement that they would be much profited by my labors. Besides this, it was decided that in my letter announcing the time and manner of my coming, I did not mean what I said, and therefore I was not met at Saginaw as agreed upon. This left me some 8 or 10 miles travel on foot. By the kindness of a teamster I was permitted to put my satchel on his heavily-loaded wagon, and so passed my journey with comparative comfort. I think I can say, of a truth, that our meetings were very profitable. There seemed to be an earnest desire to arise, and get more heartily into the work. A spirit of lightness had prevailed among the young, which had almost destroyed their spirituality. I hope their resolutions to overcome may be carried out. Another danger I saw, which is prevailing to a considerable extent, that is, young believers, especially young females, forming unscriptural alliances in marriage. It is enough to make the servant of God weep to see how little effect the most faithful warnings have in this matter. But I know a father's heart, and have been made to realize the evil, and I gave a faithful testimony on the subject. While speaking on this, and kindred evils, there was much weeping, and I hope some were benefited. Oh! that the young would be admonished, and shun the snare of the enemy of their souls! Monday, the 21st, held meeting at Watrousville, and Tuesday I baptized six at Vassar, at 1, P. M., and commenced our meeting at half past two, which held till in the evening. I left there early on Wednesday morning. It would have given me pleasure to tarry with them longer, but circumstances prevented. I have always enjoyed my opportunities in Tuscola County, and this brief visit has still more endeared them to my heart. I believe there is a general desire and determination to get more fully into the work. They have felt too much as though they were afar off, outside of the field of active labor. I hope they will throw off this feeling, and realize that their responsibilities are just what all of God's saints have to bear, and they are as near to a throne of grace as any spot on earth, if they will only improve their privileges. J. H. Waggoner.