REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.
By J. H. Waggoner
In consequence of Bro. Snook’s being disappointed in his coming South, he did not meet me at Knoxville as I expected he would. As I did not hear from him, or know the cause of his delay, I started alone to visit the churches westward. This failure was not only a great disappointment to us both personally, but I think it will prove a detriment to the cause in Southern Iowa, as we were deprived of all opportunity of consultation and planning for the future. I did hope, from Bro. Snook’s letter to me, that he would remain South next winter, and perhaps settle in that part of the State; but he had given this up before I saw him. This I much regret, as a laborer is needed there all the time. After the meeting near Eddyville, the weather soon turned wet and chilly, so that the further use of the tent was impossible. I would have been pleased to have had the tent pitched once more, but then it would have been doubtful about my answering the urgent calls of the brethren. Considering the state of my health when I entered this field, I feel that I have great cause to be thankful for being able to labor so much. I shall remember with gratitude the labors of Bro. Ben Auten, who devoted his time to the service of the tent, and by his prudence and untiring watchfulness relieved me of many burdens that I have usually borne when with the tents. The believers at Pleasantville and Sandyville organized together under the name of the Seventh-day Adventist church of Pleasantville. At Indianola all had left the faith, but one sister, who I hope the Lord will preserve unto his kingdom. A brother and family about nine miles south-west are also faithful. At Oceola the brethren west to the distance of ten miles united with the church. At this place, at Afton, and Decatur City, the members are much scattered, and I think their efforts to meet together truly commendable. Our meetings in all these places were in a measure frustrated by heavy and protracted rains. By much exposure I was able to meet all my positive appointments, but in several cases there was no gathering, as they did not expect meeting under such circumstances. On this account my trip was not productive of the benefit I desired. Bro. Brinkerhoff was with me part of the time, and was in the neighborhood of Knoxville when I left there. His heart is in this work, but his health is such that he dare not venture to preach much. Last Sabbath, 12th inst., I spent with the church in Monroe Co. I found them firm in the faith, and growing stronger, I trust. Bro. Luke is doing good service in encouraging and strengthening them, and I hope the Lord will lead him in a way where a wider field of usefulness may open before him. I spoke to the church on the Sabbath, and gave an appointment for meeting in the school-house in the evening. In the afternoon I had an ague chill, the effect, probably, of neuralgia contracted by traveling in the rain. On Monday, the 14th, I went to Batavia, and unexpectedly found Bro. Snook still lecturing there. I spent two evenings with him, on the last of which Bro. Shortridge arrived there. Next morning I went to Fairfield on my way homeward. If the Southern Iowa tent is run next year, arrangements must be made for it this winter. If left till spring, it will not be accomplished, as their circumstances will not admit of their calling laborers from abroad. They are both able and willing to support the cause there, but it must be through resident ministers, whose wants can be supplied without much outlay of money. My own experience proves that they are as willing to bestow their means as any among whom I ever labored; but various causes, among which is their proximity to the theater of war, and consequent prostration of business, render it almost impossible to convert their property into money. I shall remember with pleasure the acquaintances formed in this State, and with gratitude the uniform kindness of the brethren and sisters. Though I bid farewell to them now, my interest in their welfare is abiding, and I shall remember them in my prayers. Burlington, Iowa, Oct. 17, 1861.