Michigan Camp-Meeting by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 18, 1874

Michigan Camp-Meeting.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

ALTHOUGH the lateness of the hour will not permit any extended notice of the meeting at this time, I cannot forbear saying a few words.

Having contracted the ague in Indiana, I came to the meeting afflicted in body, as well as greatly depressed in mind. Sixth day, the 7th inst., I was very sick all the day long, and it was with difficulty that I was up and on the ground at any time during the first five days of the meeting.

For several months past I had been passing through severe trials of mind; in self-examination I had not been idle, and I became exceedingly dissatisfied with my religious experience, and my standing before God. In humbling myself, and in my confessions of my short-comings before the Lord I was permitted to see my weakness, my lukewarmness, and my danger. But the Lord did not leave me thus. He gave me the evidences of his loving kindness, and of the greatness of his grace, in his willingness to reach down the strong arms of his love to take us up in our lost condition and elevate us to be partakers of his divine nature and of his joy.

On Wednesday, the 12th, having retired to the grove to have a visit with Bro. White, after some conversation in regard to my feelings and to my condition, as Bro. White raised his voice in prayer the glory of the Lord shone round about us, and our hearts were filled with sacred joy. Together we wept, and while sweet peace filled my mind, new life seemed to be imparted to my feeble frame, and all traces of disease were driven away. Since that time, I have had richer views of the love of God than ever before, and my bodily health has not been so good in many years.

In my feeble and desponding state it seemed as if I could not possibly labor in public much longer. I thought the period of my efficiency was about closed, and that other and younger laborers must occupy my place. But I now believe it is God’s will that, as the message rises in strength and power, his servants should rise with it. Work, which seemed so difficult, now seems a pleasure. My hope is stronger than it has been at any time before for years, and my heart beats in perfect union with God’s faithful servants who have so long, and under so many discouragements, “borne the heat and burden of the day.”

The cause and work of the third angel’s message is of God; his Spirit is in it, and it must succeed. It is rising, and we will praise him for his presence with us, while we strive to do his will.

May the Lord help us all to realize the greatness of the work before us, to warn the world of impending destruction, and to prepare to stand in that terrible yet joyful day when his Son shall be revealed from Heaven.

J. H. Waggoner.