OHIO by J. H. Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 15, 1877

OHIO

By J. H. Waggoner

As the appointment at Newark for Oct. 5-9 was for Bro. St. John, and I had done all I could to secure for him a cordial reception, there was considerable disappointment with many that he was not able to fill it. The meetings were profitable, yet not so largely attended, we thought, as they would have been had not the county fair and State election been at that time. Some good substantial ones have taken hold of the truth there, and we expect more will do so. A good Sabbath meeting was reported after I left.

I greatly regretted the unfortunate circumstances under which the series of meetings were held in Newark. The weather was not pleasant, and the tent was very poor, affording no sufficient protection from storm. The friends in Ohio need to bear in mind the condition of their tents, and the necessity of timely action in reference to next year’s labor.

By direction of the Committee, I went to North Bloomfield. Some of the members of this church live at quite a distance, yet there was a general gathering, Oct. 13, 14. Most of them embraced the truth when I labored there in 1863; some in 1864. Quite a number have moved away, and are now holding up the light in other places; and some faithful ones have fallen asleep. It is gratifying to consider that very few who embraced the truth in North-eastern Ohio in the years above named ever turned away from it. This meeting was a happy re-union after a long absence; preaching was well received, and the social meetings were good.

During the week following I visited some other places. In Geneva I found three sisters who have stood faithful for thirteen years, though away from church privileges, and sometimes sorely pressed with trials and opposition. One also in Madison whose faithfulness and labors are esteemed by all. My visit to North Madison was especially gratifying. Bro. Gates, who left the work in Newark on account of sickness, continued to decline and appeared to be falling under quick consumption, already on the verge of the grave. But prayer was continually made in his behalf. Several days before I visited him his cough suddenly ceased, and he began to recover. His sister said it seemed to her that somebody was praying for him. Since that time he has been steadily improving. Truly God is good to his waiting people.

The 20th and 21st I was again in N. Bloomfield. Some difficulties had troubled this church for a long time, which had proved very perplexing. After a careful examination of the records of the church, the true state of the case appeared, and we trust relief has now been brought to them. They seemed to take hold with new courage. We hope they will bear in mind that where difficulties have long existed, the members and the officers must unite their efforts to restore harmony and order. They need to bear in mind the instruction of 1 Peter 5:1-8.

We have delayed this report to submit our views of the case to the Conference Committee.

J. H. WAGGONER.