REPORT FROM OHIO by J. H. Waggoner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 25, 1868

REPORT FROM OHIO.

By J. H. Waggoner

The meeting at Clyde was interesting and profitable. By special meetings previously held, the church had been preparing for the Quarterly Meeting, which doubtless added greatly to the interest. This is certainly a better course than to leave everything to the Quarterly Meeting, and expect to do then and there what ought to be done before, or leave for the minister what ought to be done by the church. The meeting was attended by a number not in the faith, who appeared to listen with interest. The brethren were strongly impressed with the idea that the cause will soon demand a meeting-house in that place. The religious feeling in the church is growing deep and earnest, and most of them seem inclined to be workers in the cause. This is as it should be; for it is certainly trying to see individuals expecting the cause to do everything for them, yet willing to do little or nothing for the cause. A person may easily have a selfish religion, but it is not Christianity; for the spirit of Christianity is that of self-denial and benevolence.

The meetings at Geneva were as good as could be expected under the circumstances. I had freedom in speaking on the Scriptures, and I trust good impressions were formed in some minds. But the Spirit of debate and contention which has been before referred to, so prevalent in this section, is a great hindrance to piety and true devotion. After I first preached in that neighborhood social meetings were commenced, and some, professing faith in some parts of the truth spoken, attended them, and claimed the right to controvert whatever might be said contrary to their unscriptural notions. What should have been seasons of prayer and praise, became scenes of strife and debate; and thus the meetings were broken up, to the grief of a few who loved the truth and vital godliness more than contention.

Akin to this is another evil which is found here, and in many other places. I refer to the practice of neighborhood debating schools on Bible subjects. It is well to search the Scriptures, and this duty cannot be too much or too faithfully attended to. But I have noticed that such debates tended to a spirit of lightness and irreverence in speaking of Bible truths. Where reverence for the word of God is destroyed, preaching is almost useless. The blessing of the Lord is promised to “those that tremble at his word.” The trifling manner in which sacred things are treated in these societies, often made the subject of repartee and laughter, and solemn truths advocated by those whose lives are in open disregard of the truth, is positively shocking. Paul commended the Thessalonians because they received the word spoken, “as it is in truth the word of God.” May the Lord preserve his people from the snare of the enemy.

I have now filled my appointments, and as I look back upon the past year, it is with heartfelt thankfulness to God who has so greatly blessed me with health and strength to labor. Since the last Conference I have been almost constantly in the field, most of the time laboring quite hard, and still feel encouraged to persevere and devote my days to this good cause. But for several reasons I have concluded to change my work for a short time. For some two months to come we cannot reasonably expect to do much in this State in holding meetings, as the roads will not be passable. The Committee advise me to rest from traveling and speaking till after General Conference, to be better prepared for the coming season; and I feel the need of it very much. And I am offered work in the Review Office during this time. As I can neither afford, nor feel inclined, to stop working, I am thankful for this opportunity of change, by which I may rest from exposure and speaking, and still be serving the cause.

Circumstances require that I should spend a short time in Wood Co., after which I expect to be in Battle Creek most of the time till after the Conference, where I may be consulted in any matter pertaining to the cause in this State, the same as if I were here present. My interest in the work, or in the welfare of the waiting people of God, will be ever the same. May the Lord still more and more unite our hearts in his service, and bless our every effort to glorify his great and holy name.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Unionville, Ohio, Feb. 19, 1868.