Conference at Round Grove, Ills by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 11, 1858

Conference at Round Grove, Ills.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

BRO. SMITH: Our meetings here closed last evening. They were well attended from the beginning to the close, both by brethren and sisters from abroad, and by the citizens of the place. To me it was a meeting of unusual interest. Here for the first time I have had an opportunity of forming an acquaintance with Bro. Andrews; and all partook of my feelings on the occasion. As we heard him vindicate the truths of the Third Angel's Message in a clear and convincing manner, and announce his wish and determination to devote his time henceforth to this work, we truly felt to thank God and take courage. Bro. Sanborn, of Green Co., Wis., also met with us. Bro. S. attended the conference called by the disaffected and jealous spirits in 1855, who withdrew their interest from the REVIEW, and from that time till this winter has in a measure stood aloof from us, but is now satisfied that, to use his own words, "the REVIEW is the paper for the remnant," and is ready to labor in this cause. The Lord is giving him liberty in the truth, and favor with the people, we trust, for the truth's sake.

Several who had heard but little have been confirmed in the faith, and others are deeply interested. Altogether we think the influence of this meeting has been good, both on the church and the world around. The brethren manifested a willingness to take hold of, and help forward the work.

Though I have been absent from the West over two years, my interest in the cause here is unabated. Since the distracting influence of the Age-to-come has prevailed, it has truly been a "dark and cloudy day" for the waiting ones. The little flock has been scattered and torn, and has wandered about almost entirely destitute of food; but as the devourers have manifested their real natures, we trust the precious may now be separated from the vile, and the voice of the good Shepherd be heard and heeded. I am sor

ry that I cannot visit all the brethren and sisters with whom I used to meet, and to whom I feel attached by the fondest ties and dearest associations. But I hope to see most of them at our general meetings.

We firmly believe that the Lord is willing to work, and is now working for the West. He is raising up laborers who, we trust, will be willing to be humble and small in their own sight and the sight of the world. The brethren in the West have learned a lesson that we hope they will profit by, and never again trust in man, or lean on the wisdom of this world; but trust alone in the living God, who worketh according to the counsel of his own will, and who chooses the foolish and weak in the sight of the world to confound the wise. It belongs to us to submit to him, and acquiesce in his work, in his own manner and by his own means. That we may all stand in our places and study to show ourselves approved unto God, is my earnest prayer.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Round Grove, Ills., Feb. 17th, 1858.