Report from Bro. Waggoner by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 11, 1871

Report from Bro. Waggoner.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

THE meeting at Vergennes, June 17 and 18, was held in the M. E. meeting-house. Brethren came from Greenville and other places. The outside interest was good. This I attributed mainly to the daily influence exerted in that community. Bro. Van Deusen is a judicious man, and a laborer for the cause. May the Lord bless his efforts.

At St. Charles I found a strong interest to hear on spiritualism. Moses Hull had recently been there, and in his usual style had assailed the churches and their faith. The contrast between Moses Hull as an advocate of the Bible and its truths, and as an assailant of the Bible, a derider of its teachings, was apparent to all, and by no means to the credit of his present views. By request I spoke twice on spiritualism, being two discourses more than I expected to give. The last was in the Methodist house, which was kindly offered, as it was larger than the house of the Adventists. It was filled with an attentive congregation, to whom I endeavored to present the contrast between the faith and practice of Christians on some of the most prominent points of Bible morality and the teachings of spiritualists on the same points. The evidence relating to the latter was drawn entirely from their own writings, and therefore could not be a misrepresentation.

The church of St. Charles have erected an excellent house of worship; of moderate size, yet large enough to accommodate their monthly gatherings. In its design and finish it is a credit to the builders. Dedicatory services were held Sunday afternoon, June 25. The number of believers from abroad was not large, but the house was filled by the citizens of the place.

This was a very busy day, and I labored beyond my strength. In the morning the church met for the election of elders, and to consider the subject of organizing a society for tract distribution. Two were baptized. Two public discourses were given (afternoon and evening), and in the afternoon the elders were ordained. I believe the church and cause are rising in St. Charles.

A request was sent to Bro. Smith, president of the Conference, for a grove meeting to be held in Brady, Kalamazoo Co., July 1–4. This was forwarded to me with a request for me to attend it. On returning to Battle Creek from St. Charles, I learned that my letter, accepting the invitation to go to Brady, was miscarried and had not reached its destination. As the time was near, and no notice given, it was thought best to throw up the appointment. This was the more gratifying to my feelings, as, on learning the circumstances, I became satisfied that a grove meeting at that place was not called for. Such a meeting is not the best calculated to help the believers there, and the influence of it would be worse than lost upon those without while those professing the faith stand as they have stood. I throw out this word of caution for all who may think of appointing such meetings. A four days’ grove meeting is an important matter, involving much labor. Unless the believers stand where they can fill with the preaching, and back up the word spoken with their testimony and their example, the efforts of the minister will be in vain.

I had been strongly urged to attend the monthly meeting in Jackson Co., but could not consent to do so on account of the proposed meeting in Brady. That being disposed of, I concluded to attend this. It was held in a school-house near Rives Junction. Of course all were disappointed to see me there, and I was equally disappointed to find the house filled, quite a number being only interested in our faith. Our meeting was a good one.

I wish to say to the friends in Jackson Co. that I do not think their arrangements for monthly meetings the best. They are much scattered, and to gather for a single meeting on the Sabbath involves too much travel and labor on the Sabbath. Were these meetings held every other month or quarterly, and then two full days, the result would be better. It would be more of an object to get a minister to attend them, and the brethren and sisters would have time to lay aside worldly cares and attend to the worship of God. The Sabbath would be better kept. This matter will be considered at their next meeting, which will probably be at Leslie.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Jackson, Mich., July 3.