Note from Bro. Waggoner by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 12, 1856

Note from Bro. Waggoner.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Bro. Smith :—I wish to let the dear scattered ones know, through the Review, of the blessing that God has given to me at our late Conference, and my earnest desire, yes, my determination, to live more to his glory. I have long felt to mourn over the condition of the church at large, as I saw they were not making that preparation which they all know is necessary to meet the coming Judge. For some months past, however, I have tried to make a more particular and personal application of this fact, especially to myself; and God in his great mercy has permitted me to see my own weakness and unworthiness as I had not realized it for years. For some time the evidences of our true position in this world's history have increased in strength, as I have seen an inclination manifest in the political and ecclesiastical world to cling to their "peace and safety" sentiment; even when the enemy is marshaling his forces, and preparing for the conflict. I pray that God will pour out his Spirit on his people now, that they may labor in his cause faithfully, and be prepared to stand in the day of battle.

I arrived in this place Sixth-day afternoon, and spoke to the church on the Sabbath, and enjoyed a prayer-meeting with them in the evening. On First-day five followed the example and precept of our Lord in baptism, and in the evening I had the opportunity of speaking to a goodly number of the citizens of the place who had come together notwithstanding the notice was very limited. The Lord gave me some liberty to plainly testify against the pride and wickedness of the age, and the blindness and danger of those who deny the power of godliness, while professing it, or having a form. Some are convinced that these things are truth; I hope they may love and obey the truth, as well as see it.

To-night I have an appointment at the house of Bro. Burwell, as some in that neighborhood are anxious to hear, who were not able to attend here. My trust is in the living God, without whom we can do nothing; and I desire that he may give me a plain testimony to the slumbering world that the Lord is coming!

Yours in hope of soon seeing the dear Saviour,

Parma, Mich., June 2d, 1856. J. H. W.