p. 22 | THE OHIO CONFERENCE by Joseph Clarke

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 12, 1869

THE OHIO CONFERENCE.

By Joseph Clarke

The postponement of the Ohio Conference was a sad trial to many in this State, who were longing to hear the words of life; but this only quickened our desire to meet the assembly of God's people as the Conference met, Dec. 25, 1868.

This meeting was quite fully attended by brethren and sisters from all parts of the State where the truth has found a place, and nearly all the churches were represented by delegates, and reports were full, and all came desiring the blessing of God.

Bro. and sister White were somewhat worn with incessant labors, but the call for their testimony was so clear that they rose above their weariness, and worked as though refreshed in body and mind.

We think the soil was prepared, and the seed fell upon good ground, and will much of it spring up to the glory of God.

Quite a number heard these servants of God for the first time; and although they expected much, they felt as did the Queen of Sheba when she visited King Solomon, the half had not been told her; not of the wealth of earth, and the pride of life, and its show, but the things of the kingdom of God.

As we met together, we felt that the words of Paul were true, “But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the world unto our glory; which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” See 1 Cor. ii, 10.

A good interest was manifested by the young and the unconverted, who came forward for prayers on Monday afternoon. We would earnestly exhort these dear friends to continue to seek the Lord, while mercy lingers. Do not, we entreat of you, allow Satan to catch away the good seed, as did the birds the seed by the wayside, in the parable.

And let not one of us who have been longer in the work, sink back again to carnal security, lulled to sleep in the bowers of ease or worldly contentment. Let us not linger nor sleep upon enchanted ground.

The subject of the low condition of God's people was fully presented, and we doubt not we have been fully warned; but we still ask, and have reason to hope, that we shall receive help in this part of the vineyard soon.

We feel that the cause is one, and are willing that the servants of God should go wherever Providence opens the way; but this is our prayer, that the way may be fully opened in Ohio for the progress of the third message.

Much was said, on the part of the church, to show that we are in union with those at the head of the work.

It is to be hoped that the good impressions made by this meeting will be permanent. God grant that it may be so.

JOSEPH CLARKE.