Untitled article by J. H. WAGGONER

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, November 26, 1867

REPORT OF MEETINGS IN OHIO.

By J. H. WAGGONER

I LEFT Bowersville the date of my last report, Oct. 8, and went to Bloomfield. My object in going there in advance of the meeting was to get a little rest, without which I was not able to do anything more in my feeble state. I improved the opportunity to bring up my writing which I had been obliged to neglect.

Bro. Mears was with me in this meeting. We found the church of Orwell in as good condition as we could expect. Most of them appear to be striving for a daily victory; but some, as we fear is the case in every place, need reviving in order to indulge a good hope. We were very sorry to find a strong sympathy existing for errors that have been exposed and reproved, on the part of some of a neighboring church. I am more and more convinced that the remarks made in the Review on Order were just and timely. The brethren are taking into consideration the subject of building a meeting-house there, which we hope may be accomplished, as a house of worship is very much needed. The church of Orwell has an earnest worker in their elder, and we are pleased to find the members so well united, so ready to second his efforts and encourage him in his labors.

Bro. Mears accompanied me to Strongsville. Bro. Sweet has moved to Columbia, and is connected with this church. We were specially rejoiced to meet with Sr. Pierce, of Indiana, who came to attend this meeting, and whom we have not seen since the tent was in Columbia. Sr. P. has for years been a reader of the Earnest Christian, and has tried to bear that character herself, making a “conquest of every sin,” as D. F. Newton says, but not as he, excepting the violation of the fourth commandment. Her testimony as well as her presence was cheering to all. It was a meeting of encouragement, and we hope the counsel given there may bear fruit. A commendable zeal was manifested to profit by the warnings given, and we pray they may be steadfast to perform as well as ready to will.

The meeting at Wakeman, Nov. 2, 3, was good beyond our expectation. Past injudicious movements have left their influence over the cause here; and we hope by carefulness and humility the little flock may recommend this sacred truth to all around. It is important to remember that it “is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.” It is the most effectual argument, and the only one that should be generally used unless there is a clear duty to teach. One was baptized and one confessed the truth. Several from the Strongsville church attended this meeting adding much to its interest. Here we received Testimony No. 13, the reading of which made a deep impression on every mind. Will the Lord grant that it may be lasting.

The meeting at Clyde was the most solemn of all. I deeply felt for some over whom I saw evident danger impending. How wise the Saviour to foresee just what admonition is needed in these times; how precious the instruction to take heed lest our hearts be overcharged with worldly cares. This is a money-getting and a hurrying age. It is not possible to pay due attention to our religious duties when the mind is all absorbed and the body overtaxed with worldly business and labor. And how unprofitable would all that labor prove if it should cause that day to come upon us as a thief! It is a plain duty for all to be “diligent in business;” but if it be permitted to engross our powers so that we are not “fervent in spirit,” it may lead to our ruin. The testimony given to the parents was appreciated, and thankfully received. It was a time of much weeping, and we all felt that it was good to humble ourselves before God. May the Lord accept the offering, and give strength to perform our vows by daily watchfulness and obedience.

Nov. 16, 17, met with Bro. Van Horn at Bowling Green. It was a happy re-union, though we had been separated only a few weeks. This church is evidently rising from the influence of burdens and stumbling blocks which had hindered their progress in the past. They are again becoming active and united. They have borne and still bear quite a burden of the cause in this State, and I trust their labors of love have come with acceptance before the Lord. May they never be weary in well-doing, but ever remember that rest is promised when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed. 2 Thess. 1. Till that time let us count it a privilege to labor, to bear and to suffer with our Master.

Bro. Smith, of Norwalk, was at the meetings at Wakeman and Clyde. The ordinances were attended at all these meetings except at Wakeman.

We now return to our homes for a short time to rest our minds from our incessant labors, and to attend to some matters which need our presence at this season of the year. We feel assured that the prayers of the dear friends in Ohio will follow us; and we shall not cease to pray for them and for the cause in this State.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Bowling Green, O., Nov. 18, 1867.