OHIO by Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 31, 1878

OHIO

By Joseph Harvey Waggoner

Leesburg, Highland Co.

The tent was pitched in Leesburg last summer, but circumstances prevented giving a full series of discourses. Considerable interest was then raised, but I found none who had any special interest in the truth. The place has been somewhat noted for a strong skeptical influence. The Universalist house was easily obtained, and though the prospect was unpromising for results, the attendance was as good as could be expected considering the state of the weather.

But the interest gradually rose from the first. There are now ten or twelve keeping the Sabbath, and I have confidence they will hold on. And the work is not yet done. Labor will soon be resumed there.

New Antioch, Clinton Co.

The attendance at the quarterly meeting at this place was good, and the interest appeared to be good. But when the time came for the business meeting, the streets were covered with a sleet so that it was very few were present. All was done that could be done under the circumstances.

In Leesburg I gave a discourse on the subject of Health, purely from a Bible stand-point, and it was well received by all classes; three physicians were present, who, I was told, indorsed it heartily. I was greatly surprised to find that the same given in Antioch was highly offensive to some of the most influential of the Sabbath-keepers. If we are the Advent people; if we are in the last days, then the closing testimony of Jesus to the churches, in Rev. 3:14-21, is timely, and may be read with profit by us all. All who really believe in the Lord’s coming will want to get right in all things. For proof see 1 John 3:2, 3.

Clyde.

At the State quarterly meeting only two directors were present; in some cases there was evidently a neglect of duty. The T. and M. Society in Ohio has been laboring under discouragements, but it is fast rising above them. A failure of crops for two years in some parts of the State renders it impossible for some to pay their pledges, and clear up their indebtedness. This seems to paralyze their efforts, and in some sections but little is being done. But the State, as a whole, is fast clearing away its debt, and we may look for more cheering circumstances soon. Now is the time to take hold, as the cause is beginning to look up. Much must depend on the efficiency of the officers. The directors need to lead out if they will have the members follow.

The brethren in and about Clyde have done themselves great credit in their meeting-house. A better and neater house it may be hard to find. The Clyde Sentinel gave it a first-rate notice, saying it is an honor to the place, and to those who have labored and sacrificed to erect it. Fortunately the spirit of work and of sacrifice rested upon the church generally, and where a people are united they can accomplish much.

One object of this meeting was to consult with the officers of the society and the laborers generally, about future labors, and how best to fill the openings before us. But so few were present that not much could be done in that direction. There needs to be quite a waking up in Ohio if the cause is expected to go forward. It cannot go alone. J. H. WAGGONER.