HAMLER, HENRY CO., OHIO.
By T. J. Butler
Have just closed a meeting of nearly five weeks’ continuance at the above place. Roads almost impassable from deep mud, much opposition by way of slanderous falsehoods, to prejudice the people, and a protracted United Brethren meeting at the same time only one and a half miles away, were some of the unpleasant surroundings. Yet we had a good hearing all through. About six years ago, a small company was raised up here, but afterward were not visited and strengthened in their lonely and isolated condition. As a result, discouragement had swallowed up some, the deceitfulness of riches had choked the word in others, and only three held a connection with a distant church. This was another hindrance. As I realized these facts, I wondered if we, as a people, had not a lesson from Christ directly to the point in his address to Simon, “Feed my lambs.” While the shepherd should go in search of the lambs straying upon the mountains, those in the fold should not be left to famish for want of food. As the result of our labors, all the old friends of the cause except one have renewed their determination to keep the law of God. We are glad we can report our friends, Samuel and Geo. Edwards and their wives, among those who have again rallied to the standard. Several who never before had known our faith took a stand with us, so that nineteen, in all, have signed the covenant, and several others are keeping the Sabbath. Organized a Sabbath-school of twenty-six members; also a Tract and Missionary Society. Mrs. B. obtained four subscribers for the INSTRUCTOR. May God bless and guide these dear friends to eternal life. T. J. BUTLER.