To the Brethren in Indiana by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1872

To the Brethren in Indiana.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

TRUSTING that you all feel an interest in the success of the cause in this State, I address you a few words.

You have seen by the REVIEW that the Brn. Lane were appointed to labor in Michigan this season. By my urgent request, Bro. E. B. Lane came to Indiana to spend a few weeks. This, I feel assured, was a right move. The situation of the cause and the wicked and malicious nature of the opposition raised against us, made it advisable for him to spend a short time here.

Consulting with Bro. Lane, I found that our tent is too old and frail to be depended on for a long and important meeting. But it is not possible to remedy this the present season; we have neither time nor means. By this you will see that if effectual labor be done here another year, considerable means will have to be raised.

In giving support to the cause, the brethren in this State are just beginning to take hold, and care must be had or there will be a failure in this respect. Some make pledges but neglect to keep them paid up. In such cases we frequently find that, after getting far behind, their pledges seem large and they lose their interest. They are the losers. “By liberal things shall he stand.” Proverbs. And some have abundance wherewith to aid the cause, but their calculations are mostly made in reference to accumulating more, and they are not able or willing to withdraw their means from their business

to help the cause of God. Such will either become poor men, or go with their treasure in the day of destruction.

We expect to use the tent to the best possible advantage the present season; though we hazard something in calling the people together in such condition. It will not afford the protection we need. But we will trust, and ask the brethren to unite their prayers with ours that the Lord may send prosperity.

Some have property in their hands, which is only an incumbrance to them; a source of trouble and care, a means of taxation; but bringing no return. I am glad to find that some such are realizing the utter folly of keeping it, as a burden and no profit, till the time of trouble shall make possessions useless.

We cannot shut our eyes to the fact that the friends in Indiana, except those in the extreme northern part of the State, have been too slow to take hold of this part of the work. The laborers have grown discouraged; also those who continued to send them. Let us now “redeem the time.” The Lord’s work must and will be done. Will we have a part in it? or, shall we, because of neglect and unfaithfulness, be set aside, and let others take our crowns? Rev. 3:11.

“We desire that every one of you do show the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end; that ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”

J. H. WAGGONER.

Green Co., Ind., June 2, 1872.