p. 22 | REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 11, 1861

REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

DURING the last week after the close of the conference, I spent my time in writing, and visiting in this church. I am gratified to see evidences of improvement here: the members seem to want to know wherein they err, that they may amend. At least they seek counsel, and receive reproof with thankfulness. This is always cheering to the laborer in the cause of God.

On Sabbath morning after a social meeting I preached a sermon on the death of Bro. Moses Long, a notice of which was given in the Review. May 14th, evening after the Sabbath, I held a meeting near Bro. Zinn's, in Rusau, five or six miles north of this place. The attendance was large, and the attention good. First day morning our meeting was in a house about two miles from that, on the bank of the Des Moines river. The house was well packed half an hour before the time appointed, and I was told that there were as many outside as inside of the house. At the close of the meeting we repaired to the river, where six were baptized. This was a solemn and joyous occasion to me, and I had also much freedom in speaking the word, although a sense of darkness existing in the church there, rested continually upon me. After baptism I requested the members of the church to meet at a private house, where I laid open my feelings in reference to them; to their darkness, and the danger of their situation. They heeded the exhortation; wrongs were exposed, burdens cast off, and we went free. According to their own expression they had been walking in darkness for months, and when the light and peace of heaven rested on them again their joy was beyond expression; they fell on each other's necks and wept aloud. A number from Knoxville were present, and we all felt more than ever assured that the power of the truth and the Spirit of God must be in us, and rule our daily walk, or we shall never be able to pass through the perils of these last days.

I am glad that our brethren in Northern Iowa have spoken out against tobacco and kindred evils. I know of no field of labor that needs such testimony more than Iowa. I have had my feelings touched in this place to see brethren and sisters, struggling for liberty from those tyrannical idols, almost overcome; their minds clouded; faith almost gone, ready to sink in despair. When brought to this condition they begin to realize the nature of their bondage. Thank the Lord the third angel's message is a purifying message, and the grace of God will sustain those who trust in him with self-denial.

J. H. W.

Knoxville, May 28.

P. S. I think it duty to say that the difficulties in the Church at Rusau grew out of one Morton S. Cook, from Clark Co. imposing himself upon them as a brother. By advice I would warn the saints against him, as he may try to impose upon others in the same way.

J. H. W.