REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By J. H. W.
I REMAINED at Salem Center, Ind. a week longer than I expected to, and to my agreeable disappointment there125was a good attendance and a good interest. False theories were shaken, and many were convinced of the truth; and the brethren hope for an increase of their numbers. The church at Salem has labored under difficulties, chiefly on account of those whom Satan had instigated to think of themselves more highly than they ought. Like the Spiritualists, they weighed themselves in "their own scales," and found themselves much heavier than when weighed in the scales of the Sanctuary. These have brought much reproach on the cause, more than all its open opponents. These influences have been checked, and the cause must now rise and progress if the church will renew their consecration, and act with energy and decision in such things should they arise in the future. I am now holding meetings in Russiaville, Clinton Co. The interest is good, though the prejudice is strong in the country around. I am not yet decided what I shall do in this place, as the Disciples commence a two-days' meeting on Sabbath evening at the school-house. The prospects are unfavorable in this State for the present on several accounts. The times are so hard that people think of but little else than how to get something to eat. The interest of an evening is almost lost in the perplexity of the day. Provisions are very scarce, and it is almost impossible to get feed for stock. How hard it is to find any confidence in the promise of God at such a time! There are many professors of faith, but now they are "of doubtful minds." For want of means to travel otherwise I was obliged to bring a horse, and this may create a necessity for a hasty return, as the weather continues open, and the prospect is that mud will be abundant very soon. But I have made no calculation for the future. My prayer is that the Lord may direct to the honor of his name. I found Bro. Hull strong in the faith. He has received an urgent call to go to Iowa City, and expects to go as soon as consistent with other duties. I hope the brethren in Iowa will "let patience have her perfect work," remembering that "the field is the world." I feel a deep interest in the cause in the West, and hope to be able to join Bro. Hull there the coming season.
J. H. W. P. S. The brethren at Colon, Burr Oak, and Salem desire a visit from Bro. Byington. There is a chance for him to do good in the vicinity of Burr Oak and Salem. At the latter place the church is now comparatively free from unnecessary burdens, and labor may be efficiently bestowed on the families of the Sabbath-keepers. The children are interested, and need instruction and encouragement. I hope Bro. Byington will respond to this call soon.
W.