Untitled article by J. H. Waggoner

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, February 4, 1868

FromAdvent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 8

REPORT FROM OHIO.

By J. H. Waggoner

Since my last brief report to the Review, I went to Bowersville to resume the discussion which was postponed, at Mr. Moore’s urgent request, to Dec. 24. I arrived there the morning of the 24th, at about three o’clock, traveling the 23 hours previous, to reach the time. Mr. Moore came the 26th, from his residence in the adjoining county, and after holding consultation with his friends, announced his intention not to resume the debate. Bro. Van Horn went there the week previous. Our visit there was not in vain. Some took a more decided stand for the truth, and it became still more apparent to the community that our positions could not be gainsayed. Especially, the truth gained a decided victory on the subject of Spiritual Gifts, and the contrast in the effects of the preaching for and against them, was worthy of note. The opposition consisted mostly of ridicule, which so pleased the friends of the speaker that they could not altogether restrain their mirthfulness. But when we presented the Bible argument and corresponding facts to show that our Heavenly Father fulfills his promises to his waiting people, the solemn interest of the whole congregation, and the tears falling from many eyes were more than a reward for our labors. May the Lord bless the believers in Bowersville, and give them to realize that in the third angel’s message is the “patience of the saints.”

I left Bowersville Jan. 8, intending to spend some time in Ashtabula Co. before the appointed meeting; but having taken a severe cold by exposure to the wet, and the weather turning exceedingly cold, I was not able to get there as I expected to. The meeting with the Orwell church was held at Bloomfield, and was of more than local importance. Those who had been desponding were encouraged, and I hope all in Ashtabula county, may soon realize the importance of order and discipline in the churches. The church of Christ can have no worse enemies than those in her midst who rebel against order. Our experience in the past leads us to carefulness, and we would that others might profit thereby, and not rush on to a bitter experience of their own.

The meetings at Strongsville were mostly in the school-house, where a goodly number of the neighbors listened with the best of attention to the preaching of the word. What the immediate effect may be, we do not know, but feel that some are without excuse, being convinced of the truthfulness of our views. We often think of the words of the Lord concerning Israel: Oh! that there were such an heart in them to keep the commandments.

We were glad there was no special difficulty to contend with at Strongsville, and hope the little company will ever strive for the unity of the Spirit, and be at peace among themselves.

I have visited Norwalk and Bowling Green to consult the members of the committee on business, and am now on my way to meet with the Wakeman church, and hastily write this in the depot.

J. H. WAGGONER.

Toledo, O., Jan. 30, 1868.