REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By Ellet Joseph Waggoner
Bro. Smith: Before leaving home I held several meetings with the Burlington church, with pleasure and profit to myself and all. The brethren cheerfully volunteered assistance to get up wood for me, by which I am relieved from all care in that respect for some time to come. Sabbath and first-day, 18th and 19th ult., I spent at Hillsdale. I found the church in a prosperous condition, enjoying a degree of union and peace which I hope may be cultivated and increased. They have found by experience that to rely on their own exertions, in the order laid down in the word of God, is better in the adjustment of trials and difficulties than to lean on the labors of messengers. Church difficulties that are mere mole-hills at first, soon grow to be mountains; and it is better and easier for the brethren to scatter the mole-hills, than to wait for the messengers to dig down the mountains. The roads being in good order, I made arrangements to go across by wagon from Hillsdale to Delta; but in this I learned not to trust to appearances, at this season. The roads were broken up before I got through, which caused some delay in getting to Delta. This has hindered me, also, in visiting around, and entirely prevented some attending our meetings here. On first-day, 26th, we removed our meeting to a school-house on the plank road, four miles east, where I gave a discourse on the subject of the death of sister Emily Dyer. As a medium from Toledo had previously spoken on the same subject at the same place, it was an occasion of interest to many, and the house was filled, though the notice in the neighborhood was only of a few hours. The congregation manifested much interest while I spoke of the necessity of revelation; its harmony with reason; the consequences of sin; and our relation to, and dependence on, the plan of salvation. On Monday evening I held my last public meeting in the school-house in Delta. I was informed that the number standing was nearly as great as the number seated, including those in the hall. My subject was the second advent of the Lord; its nature, and importance as a practical Bible doctrine. I was glad of this opportunity of once more testifying to so many of the people of this place on the importance of present truth. Last evening was our closing meeting with the church. The state of the weather and roads prevented some attending, but those who were present resolved unanimously to adopt the systematic plan of benevolence. We celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house with pleasure, and I hope to the lasting profit of the church. All appear to be firm and united in the truth. To-day I expect to go to Toledo on my way to Lovett's Grove. \ J. H. W. Delta, Ohio, March 1st, 1860.