San Jose, Cal by J. H. WAGGONER; John Norton Loughborough

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · May 11, 1876

San Jose, Cal.

By J. H. WAGGONER; John Norton Loughborough

Sabbath and First-day, May 6 and 7, we spent in San Jose. This church was in the most pressing need of help, yet it was not easy to labor for them as some, at least, did not feel the need of help, and we have learned that it is not well to urge to action any further or faster than a church will move unitedly, as there is danger of murmurers taking advantage of any disagreement to sow disaffection and discord.

For want of timely administration of discipline much has been lost in Santa Clara and San Jose. The sooner a check is put upon disorganizing elements the better for the peace of the church and the prosperity of the cause. In Santa Clara, as in Sonoma county, we have had most convincing evidence that it is unwise to let individuals bear responsibilities in this cause who are not thoroughly converted to the present truth nor in union with our work. It is a saddening thought that people will profess the present truth and even occupy important positions among us who are so destitute of moral honor and love of the truth as to abuse the confidence of the church, and use the influence conferred upon them to stab the cause and its friends.

But our labor was not in vain. The following resolutions, offered by Bro. Stevenson at our last meeting, speak, we think, the real feelings of their hearts:—

Resolved, That we feel under lasting obligations to Elds. Waggoner and Loughborough for their timely visit to this church, and gratefully accept the advice and counsel and reproof which they have so generously and kindly given us. While in individual cases the reproof has been sharp, yet we are satisfied that it is given in a true Christian spirit, and we hereby declare that we will profit by the advice given, and aid and assist by our labors and sympathies in the promotion of the cause of present truth on this coast and the advancement of the third angel's message throughout the world.

Resolved, That this resolution be entered in the minutes of this church and published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

These resolutions were passed unanimously, and we left them with the firm assurance that their interest in the cause had been quickened by our visit, and that they feel and realize more than ever before the necessity of perfect union and hearty co-operation in our work.

J. H. WAGGONER, J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.