Report of Meetings by J. H. Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 1, 1870

Report of Meetings.

By J. H. Waggoner

Sometimes I am asked why I do not report my meetings. This is a part of the work I never took much liking to, and in consequence of overworking, and too much writing, all the way from last fall to spring, the task of writing even a letter, has been burdensome for months past.

I left Battle Creek early in May. The second Sabbath in May, I attended the monthly meeting in Newton. First Sabbath and first-day in June, by request of Hillsdale church, I spent with them. This was a meeting of hard labor. The next Sabbath, I was requested by the committee to spend in Convis; but as a call had been made in the REVIEW, from Holly, I thought best to go there, as Convis could be supplied from Battle Creek. At Holly I had another season of hard labor. In the good providence of God, difficulties of long standing were, I trust, permanently adjusted. Bro. Carpenter, of Genoa, and Potter, of Lapeer, rendered efficient assistance by their counsel. I have found this a good course, to unite in counsel with lay brethren when such are present, and not bear alone the whole responsibility of settling difficulties.

The first Sabbath in July, I spent in South Genoa. Here I found the cause in a good state; five were baptized, and two requested prayers. At this time the weather changed suddenly cold with a heavy storm, and being already afflicted with rheumatism, a disease to which I have been much subject in my life, I became almost helpless. It was only with great pain that I could stand upon my feet, or get in and out of a wagon. The last Sabbath in July, I was in Newton. The other Sabbaths not here specified, were spent with the church in Burlington. These meetings, with writing weekly numbers of the review of Wellcome, were all the work I could possibly do in my feeble state, as my head has troubled me much for months because of writing too much.

Aug. 1, I started on my way to the East. This trip was undertaken by me in very feeble health. I had only time to call one day at the camp-ground in Oneida, N. Y., and hurried on to join Bro. Cornell in Richmond, Maine, where I arrived sixth-day, Aug. 5, at 3 P. M. Here I found the tent pleasantly pitched in the village, but I was pained to find the state of the cause so different from what I had left it. I regretted that the tent was pitched in Richmond before stumbling-blocks were removed, and weights taken off from the cause there. I am satisfied that the result of the tent meeting there would have been far more favorable, had not the believers stood in a discouraged condition, whereby their efforts and prayers were hindered. But good was accomplished; some were thoroughly converted to the faith. By the action of the Conference they felt relieved, and we are rejoiced to hear that they are again having good meetings in Richmond.

I spent several days in laying out and preparing the ground for the camp-meeting. I also attended the camp-meeting at South Lancaster, Mass., which has been reported fully. Though Bro. White had labored hard and incessantly, and Sr. White was much worn by her labors and the sickness of Willie, the Maine camp-meeting was a success. Twenty-one tents, beside the large tent, were on the ground, which was nearly twice as many as I expected. The interest was good. The testimonies of Sr. White were well received, and did much to relieve the cause from embarrassments. The brethren in Maine generally feel encouraged. At the close of the camp-meeting, Bro. Cornell and self returned to Richmond, procured a good hall, and advertised for Sr. White to speak there on Wednesday evening, Sept. 7. Our enemies had helped to raise the interest for this meeting. The hall was crowded. Sr. White was specially helped at that time; she delivered one of the most powerful, interesting, and instructive discourses I ever heard from her, which is saying much for it. The large number, who stood literally packed together, not able to get seats, kept perfect silence during the entire discourse. It left an excellent influence, and was of itself a sufficient expose of those who have neither manliness nor Christianity enough to rise above the level of slander and abuse.

In company with Bro. and Sr. White, I went to Boston, Sept. 8; they pursuing their journey westward via South Lancaster, where they had left Willie, I remaining in Boston to fill their appointments which had been sent forward before, and to dedicate a hall for worship in South Boston. This change in the order of arrangements was a great disappointment to the friends in and around Boston, and to relieve their feelings as much as possible, I filled all of the appointments, thereby laboring beyond my strength. The cause seemed to be in very good condition there, all of good courage and taking hold with zeal. Bro. Stratton has nicely fitted up a small hall in South Boston, in a new block, which is a great help to the church and cause in that place.

The next Sabbath, with Bro. Cornell, I was in Hartland, Me. Bro. Goodrich was at home, preparing to enter the field of labor, and I think with renewed strength and confidence. Bro. G. is growing into the work, and is appreciated by his brethren.

Here I was obliged to rest for a short time, and so ended for the present my labor in Northern New England. My health has been, most of the time, better than when I left home, and I have had good freedom in speaking the word. I have much reason to give thanks to the Lord. J. H. Waggoner.

Kingston, R. I., Oct. 17.