REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 11, 1862

REPORT FROM BRO. WAGGONER.

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

I GAVE ten lectures at Paragon, Morgan Co., Ind. The attendance was not large. At Gosport there was a regiment of soldiers, and during the time I was in the neighborhood there were nearly one hundred cases of measles on an average; how many in all, I do not know. The regiment lost about twenty men there by

measles. The disease spread over the country, and all meetings were nearly broken up. Many wished to hear the lectures who could not attend. I did not feel it duty to continue under the circumstances. I spoke once in Stilesville, Hendricks Co., to an interested audience. I think that will yet be a good place for labor; but my mind was directed to Cloverdale, Putman Co., where I sent an appointment for Tuesday evening, Feb. 18, which was not given out. Next day Bro. Hull joined me, and as circumstances then were, we were somewhat perplexed to know what was duty. But as the citizens became acquainted with us they were urgent that we should hold meetings. Accordingly we announced for a course of lectures in the Disciple meeting-house, commencing on Thursday evening, 20th. The attendance was large, and the interest as good as we ever saw for the same length of time. But at the close of the third discourse we had a practical illustration of "the power of the keys," about which we have heard so much in the preaching of that church. Time was when they laughed to scorn other denominations because their

"Bolts and locks, turned orthodox;"

but by such means orthodoxy is now secured amongst them.

Efforts were made by the citizens to procure a suitable place to continue the meetings, but the best that could be obtained was too small, inconveniently situated, far from side walks, and the mud was increasing in depth; so we concluded it would be better to leave the matter as it was, trusting to the future, than to make a further effort which might prove abortive by reason of unfavorable circumstances. While waiting for the cars on Monday morning, many gathered around to converse, and we sold about two dollars' worth of books.

This has been an open winter; consequently a muddy one in Indiana. As soon as consistent with duty here we shall make our way northward where the country is sandy and the roads good.

The brethren may feel interested to learn respecting challenges received in this State; but as matters stand now we must reserve them for future notice.

J. H. WAGGONER.